This page covers mahi-mahi, also called dorado, and what is documented about fishing it out of Redondo Beach’s King Harbor. The documentation is thin, and this page says so plainly. For the harbor, slips and launch options, see the Redondo Beach port page. For identification and biology, see the mahi-mahi fishing guide. For the wider coast, see the mahi-mahi fishing in the Pacific Southwest and the wider Pacific Southwest guide.
When mahi-mahi are around Redondo Beach
Dorado are documented offshore from Redondo Beach in July and August, when they feed actively on the offshore water. No other month is documented. The landing’s own site does not name dorado among its targets, and its recent landing totals list no dolphinfish, so the season rests on one general description.
Where boats run
King Harbor is a man-made small-craft harbor at the south end of Santa Monica Bay. It is entered through a gap between breakwaters at its south end, with natural depths of 27 to 30 feet through the gap. A lighted bell buoy lies south-southwest of the west breakwater’s end. Redondo Canyon heads close to shore just outside the harbor, but the canyon is not tied to dorado in the documentation.
The canyon has natural oil seepage about 1.5 miles off the beach, which can leave a film on the surface, and gas bubbles show up nearby. A boat working the canyon edge may see a sheen, so keep that in mind on the water. Sea fog tends to occur in fall and winter south of Santa Monica, so early departures may meet reduced visibility. Check conditions yourself before running offshore.
Grounds and structure
Rocky Point and the kelp beds off Palos Verdes are popular grounds minutes from the harbor, with no dorado documented there. The landing’s full-day trips run to Catalina Island or Santa Barbara Island, and no dorado ground is given for either.
How mahi-mahi are fished out of Redondo Beach
No method is documented for dorado from the harbor. The general approach applies: troll along the edge of weed or debris, scan for birds and bait, and keep one hooked fish in the water beside the boat while the others cast.
Who fishes them
Redondo Beach Sportfishing, at redondosportfishing.com, runs open-party and private trips from the pier, but it does not name dorado among its targets. No Redondo charter or tournament is documented for dorado.
FAQ
When are dorado off Redondo Beach?
July and August are the documented months, when the fish feed offshore. No other season is documented.
Is there a dorado charter at Redondo?
None is documented. Redondo Beach Sportfishing runs from the pier but does not name dorado among its targets.
What should I watch for at the canyon?
Surface oil seepage and gas bubbles are found near the canyon, so watch for a sheen and keep residue off your lines.
