DAYS

Depending on personal preference, some anglers will use various colored skirts on their ballyhoo, but I prefer a naked ballyhoo because it appears more natural to the mahi. I rig my ballyhoo on a 6/0 long shank Mustad hook with 80-pound leader and a copper wire to secure the ballyhoo to the rig. Many people use oversized tackle for mahi, but they are much more enjoyable to catch on light tackle. My primary setup is a 6500 series spinning reel on a 7-foot mediumlight action rod spooled with 20-pound monofilament. To attach the main line to your leader, I suggest using a bimini twist in order to create a shock absorber and a stronger connection to the leader. I prefer not to use braided fishing line because it does not absorb the shock of angler error or have any stretch while fighting a fish.

To learn more fishing knots, please visit fishing.org

Mahi-mahi is one of the most commonly served fish at restaurants here in the Florida Keys. The white, flaky texture of the filet will absorb whichever seasonings or herbs you decide to cook with. Great preparations for this catch include, but are not limited to, fried, blackened, grilled, broiled, Francaise, or diced for tacos. Most restaurants throughout the Keys have a cook-your-catch option where they will cook up to one pound of your freshly caught mahi and prepare it a variety of ways with a few sides. Most eateries have a signature style unique to them that is delicious.

Typically, the season that mahi frequent the waters of the Florida Keys brings calmer seas and more enjoyable weather for any angler. Contact a local, reputable charter captain to get you and your family on the offshore fishing adventure of a lifetime targeting mahi-mahi!

To book a trip with Top Notch Sportfishing, call Captain Bill at 732-674-8323.

BY ALEX RICKERT