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

Mahi Mahi SeasonNortheast

Mahi Mahi season in the Northeast peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. July, August and September are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Northeast Jun–Oct.

Bars: share of the 2 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Mahi appear in the Northeast in warm-water years when Gulf Stream eddies spin far enough north. Montauk and Point Judith are the primary access points; July through September is the window. This is the northern edge of the mahi range — it is not as consistent as the Mid-Atlantic or the Carolinas — but in a warm year with a well-placed eddy, the fishing is real. When the water is right, 30-pound bulls show up and everyone acts surprised even though it happens every couple of years.

Port by port2 ports

Mahi Mahi bite calendar by port, Northeast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Montauk, NYPeak Jul–SepOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
Point Judith, RIPeak —OffOffOffOffOffOffFishableFishableFishableOffOffOff

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 York

Montauk

Peak Jul–SepFishable Jun, Oct
Primary runabout 14 milesto Block Island
Rhode Island

Point Judith

Fishable Jul–Sep
Primary runabout 12 milesto Block Island

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 Northeast?

Mahi Mahi season in the Northeast peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. July, August and September are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Northeast Jun–Oct.

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

July, August and September. In July, 1 of the 2 ports we track are at peak: Montauk.

Which Northeast port has the longest mahi mahi season?

Montauk, NY: 5 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jul–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.