The South Florida collection
How to catch mahi-mahi trolling light tackle
Troll small squid and Mylar lures on spinning tackle while searching offshore for scattered weeds and floating debris.
The method
This light-tackle trolling method uses small squid and Mylar lures on spinning outfits to search offshore for mahi-mahi. The setup is trolled at about 6–7 mph around scattered weeds and floating debris, with repeat passes through productive water. The demonstrations below show the lure arrangement and how to manage the lines during a hookup.
See it in action
How to catch MAHI trolling light tackle (opens in a new tab)
South Florida SALT · Main demonstration
Gear & bait
01 / Rod
Penn Battalion spinning rod
7 ft spinning rod for light-tackle trolling.
02 / Reel
Penn Spinfisher 5500
5500-size spinning reel for the light trolling outfit.
05 / Leader
20 lb fluorocarbon leader
Approximately 6–7 ft of 20 lb fluorocarbon.
06 / Lure
White trolling squid
Small white trolling squid, approximately 2–2½ inches long.
07 / Lure
Mylar Flash Witch
Orange-headed trolling lure with iridescent Mylar flash.
08 / Hooks
Mustad 5/0 O’Shaughnessy hooks
Two hooks arranged in tandem beneath the trolling lure.