Dorado, Dolphinfish, Mahi Mahi

There is no other fishing place in the world like this one

Everyone loves Dorado. Some even dress up like one

Round up some friends and throw a fishing party they’ll really enjoy

Take it easy for a change & have some reel fun!

Catching Big Fish in PANAMA!

Isla Coiba and surrounding islands are paradise for fish lover

Dorado in Panama: Colorful Leapers of the Blue Water

Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus), aka mahi-mahi or dolphinfish, grow to 6 feet and 80 lbs with vibrant gold-green bodies. We call them dorado in Panama—a fast, acrobatic favorite around Isla Coiba for thrilling fights and buttery fillets.

Migration, Territory, and Habits

• Pelagic Migration: Long hauls (100-1,000 miles) with currents; peak near Coiba dry season (December-April).
• Territory: Nomadic schools around floats or weed lines; no fixed claims.
• Breeding: Year-round peaks March-August in surface waters; maturity at 1-2 feet.
• Water Temp and Depths: Best 72-82°F (optimal 75-80°F); surface to 300 feet, often 0-100 feet.

Biology and Fun Facts

These speedsters chase flying fish, sardines, squid, and small jacks at up to 50 mph. Around Coiba, they school under floating logs, trees, branches, or debris near Hannibal Bank—natural attractors that concentrate bait and action. Their rapid growth is legendary: Hatching at tiny sizes, they hit ~1 foot by 6 months, 2-3 feet (10-20 lbs) by age 1, 4-5 feet (30-50 lbs) by age 2, and max out at 5-6 feet (60-80 lbs) by age 3-4, gaining 10-30 lbs per year early on. Fun fact: They flash colors like a living rainbow when hooked—nature’s speed growers!

Fishing Tips for Panama Anglers

• Techniques: Best is to troll Panama baits , belly-strips cut from bonito—they hit hard with high leaps and runs (10-20 minute battles). Light tackle (20-50 lb) maximizes fun.
• Hotspots: Coiba’s offshore debris lines or Montuosa edges in 300 foot depths—schools explode on the surface around floating logs or branches.
• Why Chase Them?: Epic action and excellent eating—pan-sear or ceviche the firm meat. Follow bag limits for sustainability.

Dorado bring flash and flavor to Panama’s seas—book a charter and chase your rainbow!

Contact Coiba Adventure Sportfishing marlinpanama.com 800-800-0907 for guided trips.