What are your thoughts on catching and keeping Mahi that seems a bit small?

Question

Friend posted Mahi pics from Dom. Rep. Fish seemed small. I was told me plentiful. Don't worry about it. Thoughts?

Answer 1

From the little I know about Mahi is that their fishery is pretty sustainable. I do not believe that is a reason however to start taking undersized fish, if that was the case, and throw situations like this under the rug. It would be interesting to know at what age/size Mahi become mature, how many eggs they spawn at a time and what their gestation period is. Also it is hard to regulate scenarios like this when these situations occur internationally and/or in international waters.

Answer 2

Dolphin are a very sustainable fishery. From what I can find, spawning occurs year round in the southeast US waters, with some variation as you get further north. Peak spawning season is January through July. Males reach 50% maturity at 476 mm Fork Length (18.7 inches) and full maturity at 645 mm FL (25.4 inches). Females mature at a smaller size, with 50% at 458 mm FL (18 inches) and 100% at 560 mm FL (22 inches). I personally would not take immature fish, which seems to be less than 18 to 25 inches. I would probably opt to keep those over 25 inches. Anglers sometimes have to be willing to help keep a species sustainable by setting their own limits.

Comments

Thank you for the info! I agree with you too about anglers setting their own limits. I like to believe that the majority are responsible but it appears the irresponsible ones are the ones who get publicized.