Florida · Space Coast
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH
New Smyrna Beach is a solid destination for mahi mahi fishing, with good fishing in June, July. Book a charter and target mahi mahi with local experts.
About Mahi Mahi Fishing in New Smyrna 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 — New Smyrna Beach
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in New Smyrna 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 New Smyrna Beach
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi and other deep sea fishing species.
Ponce Inlet Offshore Ledges
Natural ledge formations extend offshore of Ponce Inlet in 80-150 feet of water, providing prime bottom-fishing habitat for red snapper, gag grouper, scamp grouper, and amberjack. These limestone ledges create dramatic vertical relief that concentrates fish along the ledge faces. Full-day charters from Ponce Inlet target these ledges for consistent bottom-fishing action.
Party Grounds
The Party Grounds is a well-known offshore fishing area approximately 20-30 miles east of Ponce Inlet featuring scattered hard-bottom and natural ledges in 100-130 feet of water. Red snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and grouper hold on the structure year-round. The area earns its name from the consistent catches that make for a festive day on the water.
Gulf Stream (NSB)
The Gulf Stream passes approximately 40-50 miles offshore of New Smyrna Beach, bringing warm bluewater and pelagic species within range of full-day trips. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish are the primary targets along the Stream's western edge. Trolling the weed lines and color changes is the go-to technique for offshore anglers out of Ponce Inlet.
Volusia County Offshore Reefs
Volusia County maintains permitted offshore artificial reef zones with deployed vessels, concrete structures, and military hardware in 60-120 feet of water. These artificial reefs hold red snapper, amberjack, black sea bass, and grouper in significant numbers. The county's reef program supplements natural bottom features to create productive fishing grounds accessible from Ponce Inlet.
Other Species in New Smyrna Beach
More fish you can target while visiting New Smyrna Beach.
Mahi Mahi Fishing in New Smyrna Beach — FAQ
Mahi Mahi fishing in New Smyrna Beach is productive during June, July.
Mahi Mahi fishing charters in New Smyrna 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 New Smyrna Beach, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Mahi Mahi regulations in Florida 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 New Smyrna Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Snook, King Mackerel. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Mahi Mahi in New Smyrna Beach?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your mahi mahi fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes