How to catch dorado or mahi-mahi or dolphin fish

To catch dorado, also known as mahi-mahi or dolphinfish, you'll need the right equipment, knowledge of their behavior, and fishing techniques. Here's a description of how to catch dorado:

1. Equipment:
- Fishing rod: Choose a medium to heavy-duty spinning or baitcasting rod around 7-8 feet long to handle the dorado's strength.
- Reel: Pair your rod with a quality reel that has a smooth drag system and sufficient line capacity.
- Fishing line: Use a braided line with a test strength of 30-50 pounds for increased sensitivity and strength.
- Hooks and leader: Opt for strong and sharp circle hooks in sizes 7/0 to 9/0. Connect them to a fluorocarbon leader of 30-50 pounds test strength.
- Lures and bait: Dorado are attracted to colorful lures, such as skirted trolling lures or soft plastic lures that mimic small fish. Alternatively, use natural bait like live or dead small fish, squid, or shrimp.

2. Locate Dorado:
- Dorado are typically found in warm waters, near the surface around floating debris, weed lines, or structures like buoys and oil rigs.
- Look for signs of feeding activity, such as birds diving or fish jumping, as this indicates the presence of baitfish and dorado nearby.

3. Trolling Technique:
- Set up your trolling rods by attaching your chosen lures to the lines.
- Troll at a speed of 6-8 knots, dragging the lures behind the boat.
- Vary the distance of the lures from the boat to cover different depths and increase your chances of attracting dorado.
- Keep an eye on the rods for any signs of a strike, such as the line suddenly peeling off or a rod tip bending.

4. Casting Technique:
- If you spot dorado near the surface, you can cast lures or bait to target them directly.
- Use a long casting rod and reel to achieve greater distance.
- Cast your lures or bait past the fish and retrieve it in a fast and erratic manner to mimic fleeing prey.

5. Hooking and Landing:
- When a dorado strikes, allow it to take the bait or lure for a moment before setting the hook.
- For circle hooks, don't jerk the rod; instead, apply steady pressure to let the hook set itself.
- Once hooked, dorado are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, so be prepared for a fight.
- Keep the line tight and let the reel's drag system do its job to prevent the line from breaking.
- When bringing the fish closer to the boat, use a gaff or a landing net to secure it without causing harm.

Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits before heading out to catch dorado. Additionally, practicing catch-and-release techniques helps preserve the population of this beautiful species for future generations.