FAD fishing misconceptions
The most common misconception about FADs is that you have to fish in the immediate vicinity of the device to catch fish. However, fish actually roam the waters around a FAD in a circumference that can be anywhere up to 300 metres or more from the actual buoy itself. In many cases the smaller fish hang closer to the buoy for protection, while the larger predators are found further away roaming the open waters waiting for a chance to ambush prey.
As fish are usually widely spread around the buoy, it is advisable to commence a drift from up-current of the FAD. Depending on the current strength, start your drift 150-300m up-current of the device and simply deploy your selected fishing method (live/dead bait or lures - both spinning or trolling are very effective). For larger predators such as marlin or wahoo, trolling the outskirts of the FAD can prove productive.
It is also possible to 'visually' fish around the FADs as schools of mahi-mahi are often able to be clearly seen schooling in the clear blue water or 'free-jumping' (an activity that has resulted in the species becoming known as dolphinfish). On days when winds are light, fly-fishing has been popular and successful.