Chasing Nearshore Gold: The Mahi Run Is On

 

Chasing Nearshore Gold: Mahi Fishing with Capt. Rod in Ocean Isle Beach

Before we dove deep into tactics, Capt. Rod shared the three questions he hears more than any others when it comes to Mahi: When? Where? How? His answers were as sharp and direct as the fish are fast:

When? "Now. We’re in wide open nearshore summer."

Where? Areas holding structure, bait, and current—think 23-Mile Rock, Onslow Ridge, and live bottom stretches near WR4.

How? Small, simple rigs trolled near bait pods in clean water. Presentation matters more than flash.

This article breaks those down step-by-step, turning Rod’s guidance into action-packed strategies you can put to work tomorrow.

Summer on the Carolina coast brings more than heat and humidity—it brings a nearshore phenomenon that anglers dream about all year long. The mahi-mahi, known for their electrifying color, lightning-fast strikes, and table-ready filets, are in full run just miles off the beach. And if you know where to look, how to rig, and when to troll, this is your shot at hooking into something unforgettable.

We sat down with Capt. Rod Bierstedt of Pura Vida Excursions, a seasoned offshore captain who’s made a career chasing mahi along the Atlantic flyways. Rod is more than a guide—he’s a mentor, a strategist, and a passionate believer that everyone should have the chance to enjoy the thrill of a great day on the water. He’s always a phone call away, ready to answer questions or offer tips, and his number one goal is simple: to help people have fun and actually catch fish.

“There’s nothing better than seeing someone post a pic with a big grin and a cooler full of mahi. That’s why I do what I do.” – Capt. Rod

This is the soul of Coastal Currents and why we build partnerships with captains like Rod. We’re here to give our readers, our followers, and our clients the best possible information and the highest potential to enjoy not only where they live—but where they vacation as well.

Where the Gold Is Hiding: Forget Depth, Focus on Distance

One of the biggest misconceptions about nearshore fishing is that depth equals success. But Capt. Rod sets the record straight:

“Depth doesn’t mean squat. I’ve got places that `are 100 feet deep 20 miles off the beach, and other places that are the same depth 50 miles out.”

It’s not about how deep—it’s about the contour of the bottom and your proximity to key structure. Look for ledges, live bottom, and bait-rich zones. Areas like 23-Mile Rock, Onslow Ridge, and the massive Schoolhouse AR/WR4 region are some of Rod’s top picks.

Pair your GPS with a Maps Unique chart (https://www.mapsunique.com/) , and suddenly you're not just hoping—you’re hunting.

The Current Situation: Why Mahi Care About Water Movement

Forget big temperature breaks. During the heat of summer, water temps remain fairly uniform—so uniform, in fact, that satellite imagery can barely detect any variance. Rod notes that recent readings show surface temperatures ranging from 80.1°F to 80.2°F—a tenth of a degree difference.

"That’s when you really need to start paying attention," he says. “If you see even that small of a break, that’s the moment to slow down, investigate, and look for signs of life.”

That kind of subtlety may not light up a chart, but it can be the cue to start scanning for bait balls, working your spread tighter, or deploying deeper rigs. This is where local knowledge and attention to detail can make or break your day on the water.

Instead, mahi are drawn to current and structure. Rod explains:

“They don’t really like stagnant water. I seek water that generally has current pushing—one knot, half a knot minimum. Anything under that, I won’t even fish for mahi.”

These pelagic predators want a moving buffet. And the current stirs it all up.

What They’re Eating: Spoiler Alert, It’s Not Flying Fish

You’ve seen them—those dazzling sprays of flying fish launching skyward like a Vegas water show. But don’t let them fool you. While mahi will chase anything, they’re not keying in on the flyers this season.

“Every mahi I’ve caught in the last 12 days—not one had a flying fish in them… they’re gorging on squid, sardines, even baby mahi. Straight-up cannibals.”

Look for bait pods near the bottom and balls of squid in the water column. That’s where your spread should focus.

Rig Right, Troll Tight

Simple, small, and deep. That’s the formula Rod sticks to. His go-to includes small Bluewater Candy lures in pink, chartreuse, and blue. He also uses planer rods with strip baits to get down where the squid live.

“Half our nearshore mahi last week came off the planer rods.”

Don’t be afraid to go tiny. One of his 30-pounders came off a 4-inch chugger behind a hoochie squid daisy chain. It's not about flash—it's about replication.

Rod’s Go-To Rig Setup:
Rod often runs a Bluewater Candy Sea Witch or Madness rig with a strip bait or small ballyhoo, trolled behind a No. 2 or 3 planer. The color combos? Stick to pink, chartreuse, or blue—simple and effective.

“The Bluewater Candy rigs are dynamite. They give you that flash, that movement, and that strike zone action mahi can’t resist. I run 'em shallow and deep—always have a couple ready.”

These rigs work well even in small-boat spreads. Check out Bluewater Candy Lures here — https://bluewatercandy.com/product-category/offshore/mahi-tuna-rigs/

Positioning Matters: Know Your Spread’s Strike Zone

Rod emphasizes reading the water behind your boat:

“Your bait needs to ride in the clear water alleys behind your wake… in the strike zone. If it’s in the froth or wake, the fish can’t see it.”

Every spread should simulate a school of baitfish in distress. If you’re not creating that illusion, you’re missing opportunities.

---

Knots, Leaders & Real Talk

If you think fancy rigs make you a better fisherman, Rod would like a word. He uses the same knot for nearly everything:

“Use the Uni knot. I’ve never had one fail. It’s simple, fast, and holds under pressure—whether you’re running 20-pound test or 130. For nearshore mahi, I go with mono leaders between 30 to 80 pounds. No need for heavy fluorocarbon unless you’re targeting tuna or dealing with serious abrasion. Keep it clean, keep it light, and don’t overcomplicate it.”

Keep your swivels small and your presentation clean. If you’re fishing with Pura Vida Excursions, these details are already dialed in.

Final Word: Ask Questions, Stay Humble, Hook Up

Rod’s final piece of wisdom isn’t about gear or tackle—it’s about mindset. It’s also his Moto and what he lives by. 

“There’s never been a bad question asked. Only the ones never asked. That’s how you learn.”

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or chartering with the pros, the mahi are here. The current is moving. And gold is in the water.

Book your next nearshore trip with Pura Vida Excursions—where good vibes, local knowledge, and full coolers are always part of the plan. Capt. Rod isn’t just your captain—he’s your on-call fishing mentor. Whether you're looking for the bite window, gear recommendations, or just want to share a success story, he's always happy to hear from you. You can reach him at 910-352-2719 or follow him on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/onmywaycharters) 

And if you ever need anything—tide charts, gear tips, bait advice, or the latest offshore reports—our team at CoastalAreaGuide.com and Coastal Currents is here for you. We're not just publishing content—we're creating a community for those who love where they live, and live for where they vacation.

Your next great fishing story is one connection away.