OffshoreHookup
Bull mahi in full color leaping clear of the water at sunrise

Mahi Mahi SeasonGulf Coast

Mahi Mahi season in the Gulf peaks May–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June, July and August are the hottest, with 5 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Gulf Mar–Oct.

Bars: share of the 5 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Gulf mahi follow the sargassum lines that blow off the Mississippi Delta each spring. April through July, current lines loaded with weed hold fish from the shelf inward to the oil rigs. Destin's offshore structures hold mahi through summer; Port Aransas and South Padre see a strong spring run when current lines push north along the Texas coast. Follow the grass and you will find fish.

Port by port5 ports

Mahi Mahi bite calendar by port, Gulf Coast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Destin, FLPeak May–SepOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
Galveston, TXPeak Jun–AugOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff
Orange Beach, ALPeak May–AugOffOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff
Port Aransas, TXPeak Jun–SepOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
South Padre Island, TXPeak Apr–AugOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOff

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for mahi mahi. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

Florida

Destin

Peak May–SepFishable Mar–Apr, Oct
Primary runjust over 10 milesto 100-Fathom Curve
Texas

Galveston

Peak Jun–AugFishable Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Primary run40 miles or less in peak seasonto Summer billfish and pelagic water
Alabama

Orange Beach

Peak May–AugFishable Sep–Oct
Primary runabout 8-15 miles offshoreto Orange Beach artificial reef zone
Texas

Port Aransas

Peak Jun–SepFishable Apr–May, Oct
Primary runabout 35 milesto Bakers and Hospital Rock
Texas

South Padre Island

Peak Apr–AugFishable Mar, Sep–Oct
Primary runabout 13 miles northeast of the jettiesto RGV Reef

How to fish it

Tackle class:20-30lb spinning or conventional. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the mahi mahi page.

  • Kite Fishing Sailfish and MahiFly two baits off one kite and turn a dead-current day into a sailfish bite: the setup, the release clips, and the mistakes that cost you the shot.

Kits for this fish

  • The Sailfish & Mahi Kite Spread KitA complete kite kit, spare release clips, a drag-smooth reel, and the leader to keep it invisible: everything to fly a spread that actually hooks up.

Frequently asked

When is mahi mahi season in the Gulf?

Mahi Mahi season in the Gulf peaks May–Aug: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. June, July and August are the hottest, with 5 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Gulf Mar–Oct.

What is the best month for mahi mahi in the Gulf?

June, July and August. In June, 5 of the 5 ports we track are at peak: Destin, Galveston, Orange Beach, Port Aransas, South Padre Island.

Which Gulf Coast port has the longest mahi mahi season?

Destin, FL: 8 fishable months on our calendar, peaking May–Sep.

What rig do you use for mahi mahi?

20-30lb spinning or conventional. Start with Kite Fishing Sailfish and Mahi.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.