Dorado
The Dorado, or "mahi-mahi" or "dolphinfish" is a surface-dwelling fish found 15-100 miles off-shore in waters outside of San Diego.
By whatever name, it is one of the most colorful fish in the ocean. Their shimmering and iridescent skin give off green and blue hues unlike any fish you have ever seen.
The males (referred to as ‘Bull Dorado’ or ‘Bulls’) are easy to identify because they have a conspicuously prominent, almost flat – forehead, whereas the female’s forehead is subtly more round as it curves into their dorsal fin. Males are also typically larger than females, reaching up to approximately 80lbs.
Most Southern California anglers agree that with few exceptions (such as Bluefin, Marlin, Yellowfin) that Dorado is one of the premier game fish of San Diego. The combination of strength and explosive speed, along with the fact that it taste REALLY good as SUSH, it is one of the most desired fish in Southern California waters. Certainly the most colorful.
Dorado are abundant because they are a fast-growing, short-lived fish and feed very often. Dorado only live for around five or six years and attain a maximum weight of around 80lbs. The IGFA world record Mahi Mahi was caught in 1976 off the coast of Costa Rica and it weighed in at 87lbs. The average Dorado you will catch on most trips average is 15-30 lbs.
The males (referred to as ‘Bull Dorado’ or ‘Bulls’) are easy to identify because they have a conspicuously prominent, almost flat – forehead, whereas the female’s forehead is subtly more round as it curves into their dorsal fin. Males are also typically larger than females, reaching up to approximately 80lbs. Most Dorado that have a weight over 25 pounds will be male.
Look at that smile!
Bull on deck.
Perfect colors!
Another big one.
THE COLORFUL DORADO!
Dorado can change the hue and luminosity of their skin. They can do this because they ave "chromatophores" in their skin. These chromatophores are connected to the fish's nervous system, which gives them the ability to change colors when they are excited and this is also the reason why their color fades when they die. For this reason alone you will never forget the first time you see one, it is truly a beautiful fish.
Dorado are one of the world’s most popular sport fishing species. Dorado are flamboyant multi-colored, acrobatic fish, and a strong fighting game fish. They are arguably one of the best, if not THE BEST fish you can eat, and for this reason are very highly prized.
WHAT TACKLE SHOULD I BRING FOR DORADO?
All private charters that we offer include a large variety of PREMIUM modern well maintained tackle AT NO CHARGE. If you want to pick one from the quiver of rods we offer use these guidelines. Likewise, you are welcome to bring you own!
Any medium weight conventional set up should work fine. A 20 or 30 wide open face saltwater reel sporting modern 20 pound test will get the job done. Make sure the equipment is in good working order and make positively sure that the drag is up to the job. When it doubt, bring a larger reel capable of holding more line, not thicker line! The rod should be on the lighter to medium side and should have good casting ability and accuracy, but still be able to handle a 40lb. fish.
TIPS AND TRICKS
The person that usually hooks up first on a patty is the angler that can cast the furthest, most accurately. Ideally you want to put the anchovy right on top of the kelp patty, as close to an edge as possible. Considering free line bait is not weighted, this is often harder than it looks. Even if your throwing iron or poppers at them, you still need to get it right outside the patty, on the first few cast. After a good bite starts, it does not matter where you cast. Your ability to put one on target is the difference between catching and watching. As always, make sure your tackle, line, knot, and DRAG are in good working order. Check with one of our crew to make sure you have the right stick in hand. Check your drag position before your first cast and make sure that it gives a bit.
Often times, Dorado are caught on the troll, on much heavier equipment than is need to catch this fish. However, if you hook one off the kelp patty with a good 20lb. setup, you will enjoy a 10 round fight to the finish. Complete with generous aerobatics and your drag being properly exercised.
SUMMERTIME FISHING FOR DORADO
Peaking in late July, Dorado migrate into the warmer waters off Southern California. The waters outside of San Diego and Mission Bay gathers Dorado on almost every patty. During this special season of the year, wide open bites are not at all uncommon. It only last for a month or two, but during this time it is a treat.
Starting in June, we will be running trips targeting Bluefin, Yellowfin, Yellowtail, and Dorado. Because all of these game fish travel closely together, when you target one of these species, you have a chance of catching any of these species. The primary method of catching Dorado is "Patty Hopping". It is best described as manning the tuna towers with a pair of gyroscopically stabilized binoculars and staying alert for any kelp patties that you see floating around. A kelp patty is a free floating piece of kelp that broke off and floated out to sea. In the summer months finding a kelp patty often means finding the fish.
Also keep your eye's open for birds feeding on bait balls (small bait fish that form a tight ball near the surface) because this drives Dorado, and other surrounding game fish, into a feeding frenzy. The Tuna, Yellowtail, and Dorado come up from below at amazing speeds and pick off bait from the bait ball. Including your bait, hopefully!
WHAT TACKLE SHOULD I BRING FOR DORADO?
All private charters that we offer include a large variety of PREMIUM modern well maintained tackle AT NO CHARGE. If you want to pick one from the quiver of rods we offer use these guidelines. Likewise, you are welcome to bring you own!
Any medium weight conventional set up should work fine. A 20 or 30 wide open face saltwater reel sporting modern 20 pound test will get the job done. Make sure the equipment is in good working order and make positively sure that the drag is up to the job. When it doubt, bring a larger reel capable of holding more line, not thicker line! The rod should be on the lighter to medium side and should have good casting ability and accuracy, but still be able to handle a 40lb. fish.
TECHNIQUES FOR CATCHING DORADO
If you are going to find Dorado, all you need to do is patty hop and troll. Troll from one kelp patty to another stopping on each and casting on the money. Time and patience will usually pay off. Chum the water with live bait and then follow that with your bait. Be ready to go when the boat pulls up with bait hooked and in hand, you only get one short window to start the bite. Once the bite is going the Dorado will follow their hooked brothers right up to the boat where you can pick them off at will.
Most Dorado are caught on live bait (anchovies and sardines). feathers, trolling lures, poppers, or even iron. They also hit cedar plugs and Rapalas. Once the fish have surfaced and a hot bite begins, they will eat any lure that hits the water. Bigger Dorado will eat bigger baits. These fish have a small mouth and so it stands to reason, using bigger bait, will usually get you a bigger fish.
dorado sport fishing spots
DORADO FACTS
Dorado fishing in San Diego is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors alike. The waters off the coast of San Diego are home to a variety of fish, but none are quite as sought after as the dorado. These brightly colored fish, also known as mahi-mahi or dolphinfish, are known for their acrobatic jumps and fierce fighting ability.
One of the best places to catch dorado in San Diego is the 9 Mile Bank. This underwater plateau is located about 9 miles off the coast of Point Loma and is a popular spot for both recreational and commercial fishermen. The bank is home to a wide variety of fish, but dorado are particularly plentiful in the summer months.
Another popular spot for dorado fishing in San Diego is the Coronado Islands. These islands are located just a short distance off the coast of San Diego and are known for their clear waters and abundant marine life. Dorado can be found around the islands throughout the year, but they are most plentiful in the summer and fall.
The Middle Banks are also a great place to catch dorado in San Diego. This underwater area is located about 30 miles off the coast and is known for its strong currents and deep waters. Dorado can be found here year-round, but they are most abundant in the summer and fall.
Finally, San Clemente Island is another great spot for dorado fishing in San Diego. This island is located about 60 miles off the coast and is known for its rugged terrain and clear waters. Dorado can be found around the island throughout the year, but they are most plentiful in the summer and fall.
There are many different methods used to catch dorado in San Diego. One popular method is trolling. This involves pulling a lure or bait behind a boat at a moderate speed. Trolling is a great way to cover a lot of water and find concentrations of fish. Another popular method is casting. This involves casting a lure or bait and reeling it back in. Casting is a great way to target specific fish and can be done from both a boat or shore.
In addition, Dorado fishing is best during the summer and fall months. During this time, the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Summer and fall are also the best time to catch dorado in terms of size and quantity. In addition, the best time of day to catch dorado is during the early morning and late afternoon, when the water is cooler and the fish are more active.
The 9 Mile Bank, Coronado Islands, Middle Banks and San Clemente Island are all great spots for catching dorado, and the best time to fish is during the summer and fall.
Trolling and casting are popular methods for catching dorado.
The best time of day to catch them is during the early morning and late afternoon.
Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi or dolphinfish, are a popular species for recreational and commercial fishing in San Diego.
Dorado can be found in the waters off the coast of San Diego year-round, but are most plentiful in the summer and fall months.
The 9 Mile Bank is a popular spot for dorado fishing, located about 9 miles off the coast of Point Loma.
The Coronado Islands, located just off the coast of San Diego, are also a popular spot for dorado fishing.
The Middle Banks, an underwater area located about 30 miles off the coast, is known for its strong currents and deep waters, and is a great place to catch dorado.
San Clemente Island, located about 60 miles off the coast, is known for its rugged terrain and clear waters, and is another great spot for dorado fishing.
Trolling is a popular method for catching dorado, which involves pulling a lure or bait behind a boat at a moderate speed.
Casting, which involves casting a lure or bait and reeling it back in, is also a popular method for catching dorado.
Dorado are known for their acrobatic jumps and fierce fighting ability when caught.
They are also valued for their meat, which is considered a delicacy and is often used in sushi and sashimi.
Dorado can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds.
They are known for their bright, colorful bodies, with hues of green, blue, and yellow.
Dorado are fast swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Dorado are commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters, but can also be found in colder waters.
They are typically found in open waters, but can also be found near floating debris or seaweed.
Dorado are also known to school together, which can make for great fishing opportunities.
They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey including squid, fish, and crustaceans.
Dorado are highly migratory and can travel long distances in search of food.
They are also known to make seasonal migrations, moving to different waters to breed or feed.
Dorado have a relatively short lifespan, with most living for only a few years.
They are a fast-growing species and can reach maturity in as little as one year.
Dorado are also known to be a popular game fish for sport fishing tournaments.
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recognizes a world record for the largest dorado caught on rod and reel which is around 87 pounds.
Dorado are also a popular target for commercial fishing, and their meat is sold fresh or frozen around the world.
Dorado are considered a sustainable fish to catch as they are not overfished and have a healthy population.