Seasonality
For almost a decade now, the number of dolphinfish on our coasts has been increasing exponentially. The higher the sea temperature over a longer period, the longer these fish stay. Every year is different, but the first individuals start to appear around July 15, if the water surface is at least 24 degrees Celsius. August is generally a good time to see large numbers of fish, ranging in size from 25 to 35 cm.
In September, sometimes as late as October, the fish are much less numerous, due to overfishing and large predators, but the average size is much larger, easily exceeding 50 cm. Dory dorados can be found near beacons, lighthouses or along coasts that are not overly affected by intensive tourism.
Behavior of dolphinfish
The dolphinfish is a gregarious, nomadic fish that follows warm water currents in search of food. Small fish move in schools of hundreds, diminishing in numbers as the season progresses. Once they reach adult size, the fish separate to form pairs and return to the open sea once summer is over.
It is a very aggressive fish that reacts particularly well to lures. Its periods of activity vary, but it is generally during the hottest hours that the dolphinfish feeds most. In particular, it can be seen hunting in schools of forage fish, jumping entirely out of the water to disperse its prey before grabbing a few.
Effective lures for dolphinfish fishing
When you want to cast for dolphinfish, a handful of lures are all you need to have a good time. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, the most effective lure is undoubtedly the popper. Quick pops interspersed with short pauses easily trigger reflex attacks.
Once you've managed to locate a shoal, the first few casts can sometimes result in several dazzling attacks. However, it's not easy to hook several fish in a row, so you'll have to use your wits to get another chance. Casting jigs and small sinking swimbaits allow you to attack a school from a greater distance and avoid frightening the fish with your boat. Some small soft lures are also effective when you want to imitate a particular prey.
