Dolphinfish

This fish is referred to as the dolphin fish to distinguish it from the dolphin of the porpoise family, which is a mammal and in no way related. They are extremely fast swimmers and feed extensively on flying fish and squid as well as on other small fish.

Region

South, Northeast

Catch ease

Medium

Habitat

Ocean

How to identify a Dolphinfish

The Dolphinfish is a distinctive fish, both for its shape and its colors. Though it is among the most colorful fish in the sea, the colors are quite variable and defy an accurate, simple description. Generally, when the fish is alive in the water, the dolphin is rich iridescent blue or blue-green dorsally; gold, bluish gold, or silvery gold on the lower flanks; and silvery white or yellow on the belly.

Large males have high, vertical foreheads, while the females’ forehead is rounded. Males grow larger than females. They have a particular affinity for swimming beneath buoys, seaweed, logs, and floating objects of almost any kind.

Where to catch Dolphinfish

The Dolphinfish can be found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas, the Dolphinfish is pelagic, schooling, and migratory. Though occasionally caught from an ocean pier, it is basically a deep-water species, inhabiting the surface of the open ocean. The following list includes places where you can catch Dolphinfish:

Baitfish Patches

Deep Shore Water

Merging Water

Reefs, Wrecks, and Shoals

Coastal Waters

Floating Foam and Debris

Night Fishing

How to catch Dolphinfish

It is believed that they can reach speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 kph) in short bursts. Successful fishing methods include trolling surface baits (flying fish, mullet, ballyhoo, squid, strip baits) or artificial lures; also live bait fishing or casting. If the first dolphin caught is kept in the water, it will usually hold the school, and often others will come near enough to be caught by casting.

The following are fishing methods you can use to catch Dolphinfish:

Drift Fishing

Saltwater Jigging

Saltwater Trolling