Florida · Northeast
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN ST. AUGUSTINE
St. Augustine is a solid destination for mahi mahi fishing, with good fishing in July. Book a charter and target mahi mahi with local experts.
About Mahi Mahi Fishing in St. Augustine
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 — St. Augustine
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in St. Augustine, FL.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in St. Augustine
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 St. Augustine
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi and other deep sea fishing species.
St. Augustine Offshore Ledges
Natural limestone ledge formations 30-50 miles offshore in 100-180 feet of water are the primary bottom-fishing destination from St. Augustine. Red snapper, gag grouper, scamp grouper, and amberjack hold tight to the ledge faces and undercuts. These ledges produce some of the largest snapper in Northeast Florida during open seasons.
Gulf Stream (St. Augustine)
The Gulf Stream passes approximately 40-55 miles east of St. Augustine, bringing warm bluewater current and pelagic species within range of full-day trips. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish patrol the Stream edges and temperature breaks. Weed lines and floating debris in the Stream concentrate mahi-mahi during spring and summer.
The 80 Bar
The 80 Bar refers to the depth contour where natural ledges in approximately 80 feet of water create fish-holding structure 20-30 miles offshore. Red snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, and various grouper species concentrate along these ledges. It is a key waypoint for charter boats transitioning from nearshore to deeper offshore grounds.
Party Grounds
The Party Grounds are a collection of deployed artificial reef structures and natural bottom features 15-25 miles east of St. Augustine in 60-100 feet of water. Red snapper, black sea bass, amberjack, and triggerfish are the primary targets on these structures. The area is accessible on full-day trips and produces consistent bottom-fishing catches.
Other Species in St. Augustine
More fish you can target while visiting St. Augustine.
Mahi Mahi Fishing in St. Augustine — FAQ
Mahi Mahi fishing in St. Augustine is productive during July.
Mahi Mahi fishing charters in St. Augustine 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 St. Augustine, 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 St. Augustine, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Mahi Mahi in St. Augustine?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your mahi mahi fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes