Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) in Cabo San Lucas
The most visually stunning fish in the ocean. Dorado change color constantly — flashing gold, green, blue, and silver — and their colors fade rapidly after death, making the moment of the catch one of the most photographed events in sport fishing. Aggressive, acrobatic, and widely considered one of the finest eating fish in the sea.
When to fish for dorado (mahi-mahi)
Peak season in Cabo San Lucas: August through November.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) | Good | Good | Some | Some | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Aug–Nov |
PeakGoodSomeOff
Biology
Dorado are among the fastest-growing fish in the ocean. They can reach 4 feet and 40 pounds in less than a year. This rapid growth rate makes them one of the most sustainable gamefish species — populations recover quickly from fishing pressure.
Males (bulls) develop a distinctive blunt, square forehead as they mature, while females (cows) have a more rounded head profile. Both sexes display the species' characteristic rapid color changes, which are controlled by chromatophores in the skin.
In Cabo, dorado are strongly associated with floating debris — anything from logs and pallets to sargassum weed lines. Experienced captains know to scan for floating objects and birds diving on bait schools, which often indicate dorado concentrations below.
Taxonomy
| Order | Carangiformes |
|---|---|
| Family | Coryphaenidae |
| Genus | Coryphaena |
| Species | C. hippurus (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Common names | Dorado, mahi-mahi, dolphinfish, dorade coryphène (French) |
| Lifespan | Approximately 4–5 years (fast-growing, short-lived) |
| Diet | Flying fish, squid, crabs, mackerel, other small pelagic fish |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Highly pelagic, often found near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. |
How we fish for them
Trolling Near Debris
Most Productive. Trolling medium lures or rigged ballyhoo near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Dorado are attracted to structure and shade. Once a school is located, the boat often stops to cast or pitch live bait. Tackle: 20–30 lb class.
Live Bait
Reliable. Live sardines or small caballito on light tackle near floating objects or weed lines. Dorado are bold feeders and rarely refuse a well-presented live bait. Tackle: 15–30 lb class spinning or conventional.
Casting / Jigging
Most Fun. Casting poppers, stick baits, or jigs to visible feeding schools. Dorado are aggressive surface feeders and will attack topwater lures aggressively. This is some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing available. Tackle: Medium spinning.
Records & sizes
Igfa All-Tackle World Record: 87 lb. Caught by Manuel Salazar on September 25, 1976 off Papagallo Gulf, Costa Rica.
Typical Good Catch: 15-40 lb. Dorado in Cabo commonly run 15 to 40 pounds, with bulls (large males) occasionally exceeding 50 pounds. They are one of the most consistently available gamefish from late summer through fall.
Top Speed: ~50 mph. Estimated maximum burst speed. Dorado are among the fastest fish in the ocean.
Maximum Recorded Length: ~7 ft (2.1 m). Approximate maximum total length. Cabo dorado typically measure smaller.
Record source: IGFA world records.
Conservation & rules
Dorado populations are considered healthy globally due to their extremely fast growth and high reproductive rate. They are one of the most sustainable gamefish species. Mexican sportfishing rules limit dorado to 2 per angler per day, lower than the 5 allowed for most species.
Anatomy
Questions
How big do dorado get in Cabo?
Dorado in Cabo commonly weigh 10–30 pounds, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly during peak season. Bull dorado (large males with distinctive square foreheads) can exceed 50 pounds. The IGFA all-tackle world record is 87 pounds. The limit is 2 dorado per angler per day.
When is dorado season in Cabo?
Peak dorado season in Cabo runs from August through November, when warm water and abundant bait bring large schools close to shore. Dorado are among the most reliably available species from late summer through fall, are still caught through the winter, and are an excellent target for families and first-time anglers.
Is dorado good to eat?
Dorado (mahi-mahi) is widely considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. The flesh is firm, white, and mild-flavored. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee. Many Cabo restaurants will prepare it for you the same day — grilled, pan-seared, or as ceviche.
Photos
Other species in Cabo
Boats for dorado (mahi-mahi)
Offshore sportfishers with the range to reach the banks. From $1,174 with license included.
