Dorado (dolphin, mahi mahi) is one of the categories in the offshore division of STAR.
Not only are these fish one of the best eating and hardest-fighting but they can earn you prizes if you’re a current CCA member and signed up for STAR. Here are some tips for targeting them on weedlines on the Texas Coast.
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Catching dorado like this really doesn’t have to be complicated. Weedlines Formation: Weedlines are formed by sargassum accumulating due to Gulf currents. They create a habitat for small fish and attract larger predators like mahi-mahi. Look specifically for floating mats of sargassum. They are often visible as dark patches or lines on the water’s surface. Using polarized sunglasses can help spot them more easily from a distance.
- Gear Up: A medium-heavy rod (7-8 feet) paired with a high-speed reel is ideal. A spinning or conventional reel with a strong drag system is recommended. Use a 30-50 lb braided line for mainline strength. Attach a 4-6 ft fluorocarbon leader of 40-60 lb test. Use ballyhoo, blue runners and even mullet for live bait. Brightly colored trolling lures, feathers, and skirted lures work
- Troll: Troll at a speed of 5-7 knots along the weedline. Use a spread of 2-3 lines with varying distances from the boat to cover more area.
- Spotting Fish: If you spot dorado near the surface, cast live bait or lures towards the weedline. Allow the bait to drift naturally. Position your boat upwind or up-current from the weedline and drift slowly along it, keeping your bait near the floating weeds.
There have been few reports of dorado at this point but they should be showing up and more will move in as summer wears on and Gulf waters clear after spring run-off subsides.
And if you find weedlines and no dorado, there’s a good chance you will find kingfish and ling, both of which are STAR categories.