A long-standing Rhode Island state record for mahi-mahi was broken this past August when an angler aboard an overnight tuna and swordfish charter out of Narragansett landed the largest dolphinfish ever recorded in the state’s waters. Karl Mohr, a New York angler fishing with Maridee Charters, successfully brought in a 37.56-pound, 59-inch mahi-mahi, setting a new milestone in the region.
AJ Dangelo, who was managing the deck under the leadership of Capt. Andy Dangelo, commented on the significance of the catch. “We were pumped. It’s rare to see a mahi of that size here,” AJ explained. “Most mahi in these waters weigh around 10 pounds, with only a few bigger ones appearing each year, but nothing as impressive as this.”
Mahi-mahi, especially the juvenile fish, make their way into New England waters during the summer months, carried by the warm Gulf Stream currents. These fish are often found near “high flyers,” tall buoys equipped with radar reflectors used by lobstermen to locate their pots. When tuna fishing slows, mahi-mahi become a popular fallback target for anglers.
Doubling Up on Mahi at Block Canyon
The record-breaking catch occurred while Capt. Dangelo navigated the Maridee about 85 miles offshore, near the Fishtails area. Trolling over 700 feet of water on the north edge of Block Canyon, the team experienced a double hook-up on mahi-mahi.
“The first one was a solid cow, probably around 15 pounds,” AJ recalled. “I told the angler it was a great catch, but the second fish didn’t behave like a typical mahi—it wasn’t coming in like one.”
When AJ gaffed the second fish and brought it aboard, the crew realized they had something extraordinary. This enormous mahi is expected to replace a previous record that has stood for nearly 30 years. While Rhode Island doesn’t officially recognize dolphinfish for state records, a 32-pound, 4-ounce, 58.5-inch mahi caught in 1995 is listed as a “Notable Catch.” The recent catch surpasses that long-standing record, setting a new benchmark for anglers in the region.
A Lucky Streak for Maridee Charters
The record-breaking mahi wasn’t Mohr’s first encounter with impressive fish aboard Maridee Charters. Two years prior, he reeled in a massive wahoo that would have broken a state record had it been properly documented. Interestingly, both the wahoo and the record mahi were caught using the same Sterling Tackle spreader bar—same lure, same angler. Mohr’s wahoo weighed an astonishing 91 pounds, “with the guts out,” as AJ mentioned. The largest recorded Rhode Island wahoo, also a “Notable Catch,” was caught in 1998 and weighed 80 pounds.
These remarkable catches highlight a consistent run of success for Maridee Charters, with the same tackle proving its worth in landing trophy fish.
The Thrill of an Overnight Charter
For those curious about what an overnight fishing trip out of Rhode Island entails, it offers an intense experience. AJ described the typical routine: trolling for yellowfin and bigeye tuna during the day and swordfishing at night.
“It’s an absolute blast,” AJ said. “By the time they get back to the dock, the anglers look like zombies—completely delirious from the excitement and lack of sleep. People try to rest, but the anticipation and thrill of the catch keep them awake.”
With each overnight trip comes the possibility of record-breaking catches, making these expeditions all the more exciting for anglers. As this latest achievement demonstrates, the waters off Rhode Island continue to offer exceptional opportunities for those willing to venture offshore.
Image/Source: sportfishingmag
