Also known as
- Dorado MX
- Lampuga MT
- Rakingo JP
- Coryphène FR
- Dolphinfish US
- Dolphin US
Identification
A blisteringly fast tropical bluewater pelagic — laterally compressed muscular profile delivers explosive surface strikes and spectacular aerial fights. Bulls out-grow cows and develop a near-vertical forehead.
- Brilliant iridescent blue-green back grading to vivid yellow flanks and a white belly, fading rapidly after death
- Dramatic real-time colour changes when feeding or hooked
- Mature bulls develop a near-vertical squared-off forehead; cows retain a smooth rounded profile
- Very long single dorsal fin running from head nearly to tail
- Deeply forked caudal fin with elongated lobes for sustained speed
Where it holds
- Offshore
- Oceanic
Behaviour
A schooling pelagic ambush predator working the upper 30m around floating structure (sargassum mats, debris, logs, FADs), weed lines, current rips, and temperature breaks. Hunts cooperatively in schools, herding flying fish, sardines, and squid into surface frenzies visible from distance. Aggressive throughout daylight with peaks at dawn and late afternoon. Most active in 24-28°C (75-82°F) water. Coastal-migratory, tracking warm water poleward through summer.
Diet: Flying Fish, Sardines, Mackerel, Small Baitfish, Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Trolling
The dominant Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Costa Rica bluewater approach — pull a spread of skirted lures, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo at 6-9 knots along weed lines, current rips, temperature breaks, and past FADs and floating debris. Run lures 50-200ft back, use teasers to draw fish into casting range, and keep the first hooked fish in the water to hold the school for follow-up casts.
Spinning
An exhilarating sight-cast approach to schools found via trolling or birds — pitch a popper, bucktail jig, soft-plastic flutter bait, or spoon to visible fish on weed lines and floating debris and work it back with fast erratic retrieves. Surface poppers draw fish from distance. PE3-5 spinning, 30cm of 60-80lb fluorocarbon shock leader.
Live Lining
A productive approach when fish are pressured or selective — pitch a live pilchard, ballyhoo, sardine, or goggle-eye on a 5/0-7/0 circle hook with 60-80lb fluorocarbon leader and minimal weight to schools found around floating structure. Allow the bait to swim naturally near the surface or just under flotsam.
Jigging
A productive midday approach when fish hold deeper around FADs and weed lines — drop a 100-200g knife jig or speed jig to 20-40m and work it with fast erratic vertical sweeps from the bottom of the water column to the surface. PE3-5 jigging tackle, 60lb fluorocarbon leader.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
An iconic offshore fly target — locate fish by trolling teasers or running floating structure, then sight-cast a large baitfish streamer, popper, or Clouser from a 10-11wt rod with floating or intermediate line. Strip fast and erratic; surface poppers draw violent strikes. 30cm of 30lb fluorocarbon shock tippet for abrasion.
Spear Fishing
Bluewater Spearfishing
An emerging Hawaii, Florida Keys, and Costa Rica bluewater target — free-dive around floating debris, weed mats, and FADs where schools concentrate. The fish are naturally curious and often approach divers closely. Calm clear bluewater is essential. Aim mid-body — head shots are difficult on this fast-moving species.
