This page covers mahi-mahi, also called dorado, fished out of Dana Point Harbor. Dorado are documented from this harbor with a clear seasonal pattern and one charter, though the named grounds are thin. For the harbor, ramp and fuel, see the Dana Point port page. For identification and biology, see the mahi-mahi fishing guide.
When mahi-mahi are around Dana Point
The operator’s monthly fishing guide lists dorado from July through September, and the September entry names them alongside tuna, yellowtail, calico bass, halibut and bonito. That puts the usual window in late summer and early fall. Dorado in Southern California follow warm water, so the start and length of the window shift with the water. In a warm-water year the fish tend to arrive more reliably, and in a cooler year they may be few. For the wider region, see the Southern California mahi-mahi guide (see also the Pacific Southwest fishing guide).
Where boats run
Dana Point Harbor is a small-craft harbor in the lee of Dana Point, reached through a single entrance on its east side between two breakwaters. Boats run from here to nearshore kelp and reefs, to 14 Mile Bank, and to Santa Catalina Island and San Clemente Island. The all-day trip is about a three-hour ride out to Catalina Island or offshore, and the overnight trips run to Catalina or San Clemente. No distance is documented for the dorado water itself.
The entrance needs care. A rock covered at 7.5 feet sits about 300 yards northeast of the south breakwater light and is marked by a lighted buoy. A sewer outfall line runs about 300 yards east of that light, and uncharted private racing buoys can sit off the entrance. In a heavy southeast swell or at low tide the water can break near the rock, so plot a track that stays clear of the buoy and outfall before you leave, and check conditions yourself.
Grounds and structure
The operator names no dorado bank, reef, distance or depth. The named structure is the two islands. Catalina Island and San Clemente Island are the overnight destinations, and the offshore water between the harbor and either island is where the trips look for fish. 14 Mile Bank is a bank the port’s boats fish, but it is documented for marlin, swordfish and deep-water rockfish rather than dorado. The Head, off San Clemente Island, is named among the spots for tuna, marlin, yellowtail and mahi-mahi, but that is a general claim with no dorado detail behind it.
How mahi-mahi are fished out of Dana Point
No method for dorado is documented from the harbor. The overnight trips hook dorado along with bluefin and other species, so the overnight fishing is the documented route to them. The general approach applies on those trips. Troll along the edge of floating kelp or debris, and cast or pitch to fish that come up. Keep one hooked fish in the water beside the boat, since the school tends to stay with it while others cast.
Who fishes them
Dana Wharf Sportfishing, at danawharf.com, runs half-day, all-day and overnight trips from the harbor. It is the only charter documented for dorado from Dana Point. No dorado tournament is documented for the harbor.
FAQ
When do dorado show off Dana Point?
The operator’s guide lists them from July through September. Warm-water years set how strong the run is within that stretch.
How far out do the dorado run?
No distance is documented. The all-day trip is about three hours out to Catalina Island or offshore, and the overnight trips reach San Clemente Island as well.
Who should I call for dorado?
Dana Wharf Sportfishing is the only charter documented for dorado from the harbor. Ask about current catches before booking.
Where do I check the rules?
Use the state regulations page for state waters and the federal page for the waters beyond them.
