Mahi mahi — also known as dolphin fish — are one of the most vibrant, aggressive, and acrobatic sportfish in Australian waters. Found offshore from Queensland to New South Wales, they strike hard, fight fast, and make for spectacular catches on light or medium spinning tackle.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll show you where to catch mahi mahi in Australia, the best lures and setups, and which spinning rods offer the perfect balance of power, casting distance, and control.
📍 Where to Catch Mahi Mahi in Australia
Mahi mahi typically hold near offshore FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), floating debris, and current lines, especially in summer through early autumn.
🗺️ Top Regions:
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New South Wales: FADs off Sydney, Wollongong, Port Stephens
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South-East Queensland: Gold Coast Seaway, Sunshine Coast FADs
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North NSW & Coffs Coast: Rich offshore structures and debris lines
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WA & NT: Mahi are seasonal but possible near reefs and current edges
💡 Check state DPI websites for updated FAD coordinates (especially in NSW and QLD).
🧠 Best Tactics to Catch Mahi Mahi
✅ 1.
Cast and Retrieve with Lures
Find a school near a FAD and throw poppers, soft plastics, or stickbaits. Fast retrieves trigger strikes.
✅ 2.
Troll Small Skirts or Divers
Great for covering ground. Run multiple lures at different depths around debris or FADs.
✅ 3.
Live Baiting
Use yellowtail, slimy mackerel, or pilchards rigged on circle hooks with a fluorocarbon leader.
✅ 4.
Teasing and Surface Flicking
Toss unweighted baits or soft plastics to cruising fish in clear water — visual strikes guaranteed.
🎣 Best Lures for Mahi Mahi
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Poppers (90–130mm): Great for topwater blow-ups
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Stickbaits & Minnows (110–150mm): Excellent cast-and-crank action
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Soft Plastics (5”–7” paddletails): For slower or deeper fish
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Skirted Troll Lures: 4”–6” skirts with bright colours (pink, blue, chartreuse)
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Metal Slugs: For high-speed retrieves when mahi are feeding aggressively
⚙️ Ideal Rod & Reel Setup for Mahi Mahi
|
Component |
Recommendation |
|---|---|
|
Rod Length |
7’0”–7’6” for casting distance |
|
Rod Power |
Medium or Medium-Heavy |
|
Action |
Fast or Extra-Fast |
|
Reel Size |
4000–5000 spinning reel |
|
Line |
20–30 lb braid + 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader |
🔧 Recommended Spinning Rods
🌀
Favorite SW X1 Offshore Series
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Length: 7’0”–7’6”
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Power: Medium-Heavy
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Best For: Casting big stickbaits, poppers, and soft plastics offshore
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Why it stands out: Strong backbone + sensitive tip = perfect for mahi
🧠 FAQ: Mahi Mahi Fishing in Australia
Q: What time of year is best for mahi mahi in Australia?
A: Late spring to early autumn (October–March), when waters are warmest.
Q: Can you catch mahi from small boats?
A: Yes, especially near nearshore FADs — check your local region.
Q: What’s the best rod for mahi mahi fishing?
A: A 7’–7’6” medium-heavy spinning rod like the SW X1 Offshore is ideal.
Q: Do I need wire leader?
A: No — mahi mahi don’t have sharp teeth like mackerel. Use 30–40 lb fluoro leader.
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🛒 Final Thoughts
Mahi mahi offer incredible action for Aussie anglers — stunning colours, high-speed fights, and endless acrobatics. Whether you’re trolling offshore or flicking lures at a FAD, having the right setup makes all the difference.
💥 Make your next offshore trip unforgettable — gear up with spinning rods that match the mahi’s power.