Trolling for Mahi-Mahi with Hookup Lures

Trolling for Mahi-Mahi with Hookup Lures

Mahi-Mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, are one of the most exciting offshore species to target. Known for their brilliant colors, aggressive strikes, and aerial acrobatics, Mahi are a favorite among offshore anglers. One of the best ways to target them is by trolling, and Hookup Lures offers a lineup of offshore trolling lures that can help you land more fish.

Hookup Lures offers three specialized offshore Mahi lures: the Squidy (squid imitation lure), the Slammer (chugging popper lure), and the Flyer (flying fish imitation lure). Each is engineered to replicate Mahi’s natural prey and entice aggressive strikes. Here’s how to maximize their effectiveness on the water.

Why Troll for Mahi-Mahi?

Trolling is one of the most effective methods for covering water and locating actively feeding Mahi-Mahi. These fish are often found near floating debris, weed lines, and current rips. By pulling a spread of lures at the right speed and depth, you can attract hungry Mahi and trigger reaction strikes.

Hookup Lures for Mahi-Mahi Trolling

1. Squidy Lure – Imitating Natural Prey 

The Squidy Lure is designed to mimic a fleeing squid, one of Mahi-Mahi’s favorite meals. Its soft yet durable construction allows it to create a lifelike swimming motion in the water.

• Best Setup: Use the Squidy Lure on a flat line or long rigger position.
• Trolling Speed: 4-8 knots for optimal action.
• Ideal Conditions: Works great in clear water when targeting Mahi under floating debris or weed lines.
• Pro Tip: Pair it with a ballyhoo for added scent and attraction.
• Color Options: Purple Pink Glow, Blue Glow, Green Glow, Green Yellow, Red Glow, Silver Pink, Blue Pink Glow, and Blue Green.

2. Slammer – The All-Purpose Trolling Lure 

The Slammer is a versatile trolling lure that produces explosive topwater strikes. Designed with a chugging, popping action, it creates a commotion that draws in Mahi from a distance.

• Best Setup: Run the Slammer on a short rigger or shotgun position.
• Trolling Speed: 6-10 knots to maximize its splash and surface disturbance.
• Ideal Conditions: Perfect for rougher water conditions when Mahi are feeding aggressively.
• Pro Tip: Use a brightly colored Slammer in low-light conditions or cloudy days for high visibility.
• Color Options: Purple Pink Glow, Blue Glow, Green Glow, Green Yellow, Red Glow, Silver Pink, Blue Pink Glow, and Blue Green.
• Available in over 40 custom colors featuring mylar flying fish wings, Rigged on 130lb leader with a VMC black nickel hook

3. Flyer – High-Speed Excitement 

The Flyer lure is built for speed and reaction bites. Designed to skip across the surface like a flying fish, it’s deadly for attracting Mahi that are hunting actively.

• Best Setup: Works best in the shotgun position, further back in the spread.
• Trolling Speed: 8-12 knots to keep the lure skipping and imitating flying fish.
• Ideal Conditions: Best for targeting fast-moving schools of Mahi or when covering large areas.
• Pro Tip: If you see birds diving or flying fish skipping, switch to the Flyer for a guaranteed strike.
• Color Options: Purple Pink Glow, Blue Glow, Green Glow, Green Yellow, Red Glow, Silver Pink, Blue Pink Glow, and Blue Green.

• Choose from over 40 vibrant fish catching patterns featuring mylar flying fish wings. Rigged on 130lb leader with a VMC Black Nickel Hook.

Best Trolling Spread for Mahi

When targeting Mahi-Mahi, variety is key. A strong trolling spread using a combination of the Squidy, Slammer, and Flyer ensures you cover different depths, speeds, and actions:

• Short Riggers: Slammer for surface commotion and splash.
• Flat Lines: Squidy Lure to mimic natural squid prey.
• Shotgun Position: Flyer to imitate a fleeing flying fish.

By running these three lures in different positions, you increase your chances of attracting multiple Mahi and creating a feeding frenzy behind your boat.

Final Tips for Mahi-Mahi Success

• Look for Floating Structure: Mahi love to hang around debris, weed lines, and current edges.
• Use Bright Colors: Mahi are visual feeders, so bright greens, pinks, and yellows work best.
• Keep a Pitch Rod Ready: If a school follows your hooked fish to the boat, toss out a live bait or jig to capitalize on the frenzy.
• Stay Flexible: If the fish aren’t hitting at your current speed, adjust your trolling speed slightly to trigger more bites.

With Hookup Lures' Squidy, Slammer, and Flyer, you’ll have the right tools to bring in more Mahi-Mahi on your next offshore adventure. Load up your spread, find the fish, and get ready for some fast-paced offshore action!