Mahi-mahi fishing out of Carrabelle runs in May, June, August and September, on surface and weed lines offshore. Boats troll and work anything floating. Every run below is measured from the Carrabelle Red 10 buoy, so you can weigh a run before you leave the dock. This page points to where to look, and it makes no promise about where fish will be.
When mahi are off Carrabelle
Mahi show up in four listed months and move closer to shore as the water warms. For biology and general behavior, see the species guide. For the Gulf-wide picture, see the regional guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide).
The calendar months
The Fishanywhere Carrabelle calendar lists mahi off Carrabelle in:
- May
- June
- August
- September
Warmer months, closer fish
Drop Zone says warmer months bring mahi closer to shore. When that happens, the nearer structure in the table below may be worth checking on a run plan, though it is a possibility and nothing more.
Where boats run and the structure along the way
Every distance below is measured from the Carrabelle Red 10 buoy. Bearings are printed as given.
Surface and weed lines
Mahi are found on surface and weed lines offshore. The named structure below gives a run a heading and waypoints while the crew watches the water. It is not a list of proven mahi spots.
Dog Island Reef
Dog Island Reef is listed for dolphinfish.
Named reefs and towers from Red 10
| Site | AARA ID | Depth (ft) | Distance (nm) | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrabelle 3 Mile (one of several Carrabelle 3 Mile sites) | FR0018 | 39 | 5.5 | 107.2 |
| Robby’s Reef (2016 addition) | FR0039 | 52 | 11.6 | 127.7 |
| Carrabelle Reef Culverts | FR0012 | 70 | 14.5 | 169.5 |
| O-Tower Barge / Carrabelle Reef Barge | FR0013 | 74 | 15.0 | 169.0 |
| Carrabelle/Rotary | FR0011 | 15.6 | 176.7 | |
| K Tower | FR0007 | 60 | 17.2 | 113.8 |
| S Tower | FR0005 | 105 | 28.9 | 173.3 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Chart and map layers are not for navigation. Check the official marine forecast before you run.
CCA Dr. Bart Carey Reef, part of the Carrabelle 10 Mile Reef System, sits in 50 ft.
A few notes for planning a run:
- The south group (Culverts, O-Tower Barge, Carrabelle/Rotary, S Tower) runs at bearings 169.0 to 176.7.
- The southeast group (3 Mile at 107.2, K Tower at 113.8, Robby’s at 127.7) runs at bearings 107.2 to 127.7.
- S Tower at 28.9 nm is roughly twice the 14.5 nm run to the Culverts.
- The Culverts and the O-Tower Barge sit 0.5 nm apart on nearly the same bearing.
How mahi are fished here
Local boats troll and work the surface. If you are pairing mahi with other offshore gamefish, the same runs can cover both.
Trolling
Trolling is the local method for covering water between and beyond the waypoints.
Checking the surface
Fishanywhere says to check anything on the surface.
White bucktails with cigar minnow or cut bait
Fishanywhere suggests white bucktails with cigar minnow or cut bait for scent.
Who fishes mahi out of Carrabelle
These local charters list mahi-mahi.
Anchors Aweigh Fishing Charters & More
A 25 ft Sea Fox center console with a 300 hp Yamaha. Details are on the Anchors Aweigh Fishing Charters site.
Shell Yeah Charters
Captain Pat McElreath, USCG OUPV licensed. See the Shell Yeah Charters website.
Gritwater Outfitters USA
A 22 ft Twin Vee and a 22 ft Baycat. See the Gritwater Outfitters USA website.
Captain Terry Martin
Captain Terry Martin also lists mahi-mahi out of Carrabelle.
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Carrabelle
When is mahi season in Carrabelle?
The Fishanywhere calendar lists mahi in May, June, August and September. Drop Zone says warmer months bring them closer to shore.
What is the closest listed structure to Red 10?
Carrabelle 3 Mile (FR0018) is the closest. It sits in 39 ft, 5.5 nm out at a bearing of 107.2 from the Carrabelle Red 10 buoy.
How far is K Tower from Carrabelle?
K Tower (FR0007) is 17.2 nm from the Carrabelle Red 10 buoy at a bearing of 113.8, in 60 ft.
What is the farthest listed site?
S Tower (FR0005) is the farthest. It sits in 105 ft, 28.9 nm out at a bearing of 173.3 from the Carrabelle Red 10 buoy.
What bait do Carrabelle anglers use for mahi?
Fishanywhere suggests white bucktails with cigar minnow or cut bait for scent. Boats troll and check anything on the surface.
Is Dog Island Reef a mahi spot, and do local charters target mahi?
Dog Island Reef is listed for mahi. Anchors Aweigh, Shell Yeah Charters, Gritwater Outfitters USA and Captain Terry Martin all list mahi-mahi.
