Mahi Mahi gear

[MJMJ]

What rod and reel combos to us for Mahi Mahi

[Gerry Zagorski]

Nothing big needed some light 20 to 30 trolling gear is fine and a bit overkill but will land a schoolie bluefin if one comes to visit and or if you plan to troll some spreader bars which need a little more back bone of a rod. Other then that some medium action inshore spining reels for casting on the pots and you'll be fine.

Average fish is probably 5 to 10 pounds and the largest you'll likely run into is 20 pounds or so. Fishing with lighter tackle makes I t more fun but you you might as well be prepared for some bluefin should they show up.

[Capt. Lou]

Originally Posted by MJMJ

What rod and reel combos to us for Mahi Mahi

If UR pot pickin 12-20 # spin rod with 15# mono or 20# braid with 20# fluoro top shot .
Trolling 12/20 class
As mentioned if schoolies r around that trolling gear is fine but larger tuna will need a little more expierance to hsndle but can easily be landed on #20 gear on private boats .

[Gerry Zagorski]

As far as reels and poles, I'm using the Avet LX on 7 foot Seeker rated for 20 (30) 50. Nice part about this set up is a I can also use it inshore for trolling bass and blues. The LX is rated 15 pounds at strike and 20 at full drag so more then enough for mahi or stripers and will also be enough for the occational school bluefin Tuna if they show up in your spread.

For the inshore fishery there really is no need for the big heavy gold bulky 30 or 50 class gear. The newer smaller reels with higher drag ratings and increased line capacity when you use braided line is the way to go. Just make sure you have a nice long top shot of 30 pound mono since you don't want to be leadering in a fish with your hands with braid. The Avet MX and JX would do the job as well.

Having said all this, you can probably get away with some of the gear you use to fish for stripers and blues and if you intend to troll with heavier rigs like spreader bars you might put those same reels on a little heavier rod. I like using bright colored yellow braid too since it makes it easier to see the lines in your trolling spread.

[bunker dunker]

2x what Gerry said.you have to use gear that will handle bigger fish while trolling inshore as sometimes they stray inshore.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by bunker dunker

2x what Gerry said.you have to use gear that will handle bigger fish while trolling inshore as sometimes they stray inshore.

Yep - that is the only reason to use heavier gear then you'd need for an average Mahi... You just never know and need to be prepared. I believe it was here on our site that someone reported catching a White Marlin in the Mudhole earlier this year. 20 to 30 pound gear is perfect for them too.

If you're sharking or targeting other larger Tuna like Longfin and Yellowfin then you should be using 30s and 50s.

[bunker dunker]

yes sir,marlin,tuna,cobia,dolphin and wahoo have all been caught close to home.always have a heavier outfit on board just in case.throwing baits at pots is one thing but trolling them can be a whole new ball game.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by MJMJ

What rod and reel combos to us for Mahi Mahi

will Shimano Charter Special TR-2000LD with 30 pound mono work?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yes with 36 pounds of drag it should be fine however, it would not be my first choice since it has a level wind. Not fond of level winds because if a fish takes a good run and the level wind screws up there goes your fish. Level winds are also not that great for jigging or casting either.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Yes with 36 pounds of drag it should be fine however, it would not be my first choice since it has a level wind. Not fond of level winds because if a fish takes a good run and the level wind screws up there goes your fish. Level winds are also not that great for jigging or casting either.

I used these for trolling king salmon on downriggers rods. I'd like to get 2 new rods for these reells for inshore trolling and jigging. Any suggestions?