South Carolina · Lowcountry
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN BEAUFORT
Beaufort 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 Beaufort
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 — Beaufort
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in Beaufort, SC.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in Beaufort
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 Beaufort
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi and other deep sea fishing species.
The SC-GA Ledges
The SC-GA Ledges are a system of natural limestone drop-offs running along the continental shelf roughly 40 miles offshore of Beaufort. Gag grouper, scamp, vermilion snapper, and amberjack stack along the vertical relief, while king mackerel and cobia cruise above the structure. These ledges are a primary offshore bottom-fishing destination for Beaufort and Port Royal charter boats.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western wall passes approximately 55-65 miles offshore of Beaufort, carrying warm tropical water and pelagic species northward along the shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and occasional blue marlin are targeted along the temperature break and rip lines. Full-day and overnight charters from Beaufort and Port Royal make the run for Lowcountry bluewater fishing.
The Betsy Ross Wreck
The Betsy Ross is a sunken vessel lying in deep water offshore of the Beaufort coast, creating significant fish-attracting structure on the outer shelf. Amberjack, grouper, barracuda, and large black sea bass hold on the wreck, while king mackerel and cobia circle above. It is a proven offshore bottom-fishing destination that regularly produces quality reef fish for charter boats running from Port Royal Sound.
The Beaufort Deep Reef (PA-41)
The PA-41 deep artificial reef lies in approximately 90-110 feet of water offshore of Beaufort, built from deployed structures including concrete and steel. Red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack populate the reef in large numbers. Its moderate distance offshore makes it accessible on a full-day trip and serves as a reliable deep-bottom fishing destination for the Beaufort charter fleet.
Other Species in Beaufort
More fish you can target while visiting Beaufort.
Mahi Mahi Fishing in Beaufort — FAQ
Mahi Mahi fishing in Beaufort is productive during June, July.
Mahi Mahi fishing charters in Beaufort 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 Beaufort, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Mahi Mahi regulations in South Carolina 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 Beaufort, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Cobia, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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