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Hawks Cay
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Keys Fishing
What is Mahi-Mahi ?
Set out Dolphin Fishing and you will reel in Mahi-Mahi
All it takes is patch of weeds or a piece of wood to attract dolphin in the deep water off Duck Key. These open-ocean swimmers flock to these floating islands like bees to honey.
Florida Keys fishing has a variety of blue-water species, but few provide as much non-stop action and around the clock excitement as the dolphin or mahi-mahi. But one of the most common questions asked of Florida Keys fishing charters is "what is mahi-mahi?"
Blue Water Beauties
Dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus)
These fast-growing fish live no more that five years. They can reach speeds of up to 50 knots and light up like a neon sign when on the run. Dolphin feed on flying fish and squid. You'll find them lurking beneath weedlines or any floating debris that will hold bait.
Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian name for the species Coryphaena hippurus, also known in Spanish as the dorado or in English, the dolphin fish. Now don’t worry. We are not talking about Flipper, the bottlenose dolphin, an air-breathing mammal.
The dolphin fish is just that, a fish, and for those fishing in the keys who’ve hunted these line rippers each spring and summer, the fun is fast and furious. So hook up, hang on and hold tight. You’re in for the fight of your life.
Most folks who book dolphin fishing trips through Florida Keys outfitters such as those that run out of the Hawks Cay Marina try to time their adventure to coincide with blackfin tuna season.
Tuna and dolphin often swim together and both can be the bi-product of any big game fishing trip in the Florida Keys, since both species are the favorite prey of big, blue marlin.
The dolphin is a favorite of many anglers because visually speaking you won’t find a prettier fish the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. These fish, with their electric hues of blue, yellow and green, have been liked to free-swimming neon signs.
Their sense of camaraderie is even more intriguing. A social fish that travels in large schools, dolphin often refuse to leave a hooked companion. So a tried and proven trick is to leave a hooked dolphin in the water then toss baits to the other fish in the school.
The dolphin also has the distinction of being one of the fastest growing fish. It is not uncommon for light-tackle anglers to catch dozens of the smaller, “chicken” dolphin, making mahi-mahi fishing a prime sport for large parties.
Common to 30 pounds, the dolphin is also good table fare. Occasionally, anglers will come a cross a real brute, a.k.a. bull dolphin, like the 87 pounder caught off Costa Rica in 1976.
The Hawks Cay Marina has seven offshore boats that will take anglers out beyond the reef for mahi mahi, grouper, blackfin tuna and big game fishing. The Tailwalker, the Tailwalker 2, the Final Final and the Chelsey Lynn are full-cabin, air-conditioned sportfishing boats that can accommodate parties of six.
But if you are looking for a little adventure, check out the Snapshot, a center-console that will also run tuna fishing charters. The Tailwalker 3 and the Eagle Eye are smaller boats that will still get you out beyond the reef.
QUICK FACTS:
Offshore Rates
Half day reef charters from $750
Full day reef charters from $1100
Backcountry Rates
Half day charters from $450
Full day charters from $650
Full Charter Price List
10 boats and captains available to suit any need. Download the complete
Hawks Cay Charter price sheet here.
Wish you were catching these fish?
We can “hook” you up! call for reservations:
charters available through:
Final Final
At Hawks Cay Resort
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Tailwalker
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Eagle Eye Charters
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Snapshot Charters
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
charters available through:
Chelsey Lynn
At Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
Current Conditions A Few Clouds
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Air 81.0° |
Wind East at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)mph |
Humidity 72% |
