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

Mahi Mahi SeasonMid-Atlantic

Mahi Mahi season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. August and September are the hottest, with 3 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Oct.

Bars: share of the 3 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Canyon runs bring mahi as a secondary target through summer. From June through September, the weed lines and current edges that concentrate tuna and marlin also hold mahi. It is standard to target all three species on the same run — live bait under kites for billfish, chunking for tuna, and jigging under weed mats for mahi. Some of the largest Atlantic mahi-mahi on record have been taken during the Mid-Atlantic canyon season in July and August.

Port by port3 ports

Mahi Mahi bite calendar by port, Mid-Atlantic
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cape May, NJPeak Aug–SepOffOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakOffOffOff
Ocean City, MDPeak Jul–SepOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
Virginia Beach, VAPeak Jun–SepOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff

Where to run

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

New Jersey

Cape May

Peak Aug–SepFishable Jul
Primary runabout 15-25 milesto Mid-shore pot lines and debris
Maryland

Ocean City

Peak Jul–SepFishable Jun, Oct
Primary runabout 30 milesto Jackspot
Virginia

Virginia Beach

Peak Jun–SepFishable May, Oct
Primary runabout 13 milesto Chesapeake Light Tower

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 Mid-Atlantic?

Mahi Mahi season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. August and September are the hottest, with 3 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Oct.

What is the best month for mahi mahi in the Mid-Atlantic?

August and September. In August, 3 of the 3 ports we track are at peak: Cape May, Ocean City, Virginia Beach.

Which Mid-Atlantic port has the longest mahi mahi season?

Virginia Beach, VA: 6 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jun–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.