When most people hear you went offshore and tore up a school of Dolphin the thoughts of catching Flipper is the first thing that pops into their minds. And if you make the mistake of mentioning this to a greenpeace follower you may be in for a bigger fight than the one you experienced with the fish. This particular species name is also mistaken as a mascot for a popular N.F.L franchise and unlike its mammal counterpart it has many of the characteristics of the pro team the Miami Dolphins. For instance the Dolphins are known for the consistence in having a good team year in year out, and the saltwater species can always be relied upon for consistence in delivering a spectacular fight for the lucky angler, especially on lighter tackle. Dan Marino is known for his agility in the pocket, Dorado are known for acrobatic leaps and scrabbles under and over the water. Mercury Morris was best known for his speed and grace when on the field, and in their environment you would be hard press to find another species of game fish that fits this bill better than the Dolphin. And last just like Larry Csonka was almost impossible to stop during Miami's perfect season, Mr. Dolphin with his wide muscular body is build for long runs and lasting endurance!!
Thought Flipper may have made the name dolphin a house hold name in the 70's and Greenpeace has help keep them in the media with all their efforts in banning tuna consumption cause the commercial fishing kill thousands in their nets when they are fishing for tuna, and rightfully so!! This little known game fish, except for sportfishing enthusiast, with all their brilliant markings make Flipper look like Janet Reno in a Miss America contest! With flashes of yellow, metallic green, green-gold and dark blues, Dorado are among Mother Natures most beautifully colored game species. With bull nose forehead that look like it ran head first into side of a ship, and broad bodies built for speed and endurance. One can only be fascinated by their appearance when they finally wear them out and hoist one over the side of the boat. Unlike some of the other big name game species, Dolphin are excellent, made to order, for the dinner table. Although their meat is a little bloody they should be cleaned and put on ice immediately to preserve their flavor!!!
Dorado primarily feed on small fish, streaking through school devouring up fish before they realize what hit them. Migratory in nature, and preferring to roam in small schools, which is good news for us anglers out there. Usually when one has taken a trolled bait your fishing partners odds are fairly good that he will have a brother or sister on his line in short time. For best results concentrate your efforts around oil field platforms, anchored shrimp boats, and patch of seaweed that will tend to hold small bait fish. Baits include small bait fish or artificial or feathered jigs, either trolled or free fished when the opportunity presents itself. Though aggressive feeder when actually attacking prey. Dorado can be on finicky side when hitting something in the water that doesn't appear natural. So when going after this gulf coast species there may be some long frustrating days of fishing, even when the fish you are after are right under the boat within arms length. When these days happen along, and they surely will with enough expeditions. It is sometimes more efficient, not for catching fish, but to release of pent up frustration to use the handy baseball bat. After venting your anger on this school of fish, move on to the next, where you may experience better luck!!!!