California · Southern California
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach is a solid destination for mahi mahi fishing, with peak season in September and good catches in August, October. Book a charter and target mahi mahi with local experts.
About Mahi Mahi Fishing in Newport Beach
Also called Dolphin or Dorado. Stunningly beautiful and acrobatic. Excellent eating.
Mahi Mahi — also called Dolphin or Dorado — are the most brilliantly colored fish in the ocean. Their iridescent body shimmers with electric blues, greens, and golds that literally change before your eyes. Males (called "bulls") develop a prominent flat forehead, while females ("cows") have a more rounded head profile. These fast-growing pelagic fish are found in blue water near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. They are acrobatic fighters that tailwalk across the surface and make spectacular aerial leaps.
Scientific name: Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi Mahi Seasonal Calendar — Newport Beach
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in Newport Beach, CA.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in Newport Beach
Techniques & Bait
Trolling ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning or conventional rod (6'6"-7 ft), 4000-5000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader. For trolling: 20-30 lb class conventional rigs. Mahi have sandpaper-like mouths — fluorocarbon leader works fine (no wire needed).
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Newport Beach
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi and other deep sea fishing species.
14-Mile Bank (Newport)
The 14-Mile Bank is a premier offshore destination from Newport Beach where an underwater ridge concentrates bluefin tuna, yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, and dorado over deep structure. The bank sits at the intersection of several current patterns that push baitfish over the rise, creating consistent pelagic fishing.
277 Spot
The 277 is a well-known offshore waypoint from Newport Beach where depth transitions and underwater structure concentrate yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and dorado during warm-water months. Charter boats from Newport target this spot with live bait and jigs for quality pelagic catches.
Newport Canyon
Newport Canyon is a submarine canyon offshore of Newport Beach where deep water comes relatively close to the coast, attracting swordfish, thresher sharks, and mako sharks. The canyon's proximity makes it accessible for half-day offshore trips targeting deep-water species.
San Clemente Island Zone
The waters around San Clemente Island offshore of Newport Beach hold yellowtail, calico bass, white seabass, and bluefin tuna over deep reefs and rocky structure. Overnight charter boats from Newport access the island for multi-day fishing trips targeting the island's diverse species.
Other Species in Newport Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Newport Beach.
Rockfish
Yellowtail
White Seabass
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Lingcod
Yellowfin Tuna
Striped Marlin
Albacore Tuna
Mahi Mahi Fishing in Newport Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Mahi Mahi fishing in Newport Beach are September. During these months, Mahi Mahi are most active and abundant in the Newport Beach area.
Mahi Mahi fishing charters in Newport Beach are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
No — when you book a charter in Newport Beach, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Mahi Mahi regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Mahi Mahi in Newport Beach, you may also catch Rockfish, Yellowtail, White Seabass, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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