From the end of August into November, the common saltwater baitfish known as mullet leave their summer haunts off the coasts of the Carolinas and Georgia to head south to the tip of Florida. Once the mullet have made it to the southern tip of Florida, they move offshore, where they school up and spawn.
Where is the Florida mullet run?
The best spots to see schools of mullets are offshore around Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet. Other less popular places include Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon.
What is the mullet run?
For saltwater anglers the mullet run is an event which brings on feverish bites from every game fish in the area. The massive schools of mullet draw in predators from redfish, mackerel, trout, bluefish, jacks, snook, and flounder to the largest apex predators like Tarpon and sharks.
What is the best time to catch mullet?
Top Tips. Grey mullet are most active at dawn and daybreak when the tide is rising, this is the best time to catch them. Mullet shoals always follow the flood tide into rivers and withdraw on the ebb tide.
How long does the Florida mullet run last?
How Long Does The Florida Mullet Run Last? The spawning migration and giant biomass of fish during the mullet run typically lasts 1-2 months, with a two-week peak in any given location in the state of Florida.
Where does the mullet run start and end?
From the end of August into November, the common saltwater baitfish known as mullet leave their summer haunts off the coasts of the Carolinas and Georgia to head south to the tip of Florida.
What is the limit on mullet in Florida?
Striped (black) and silver (white, fantail, or redeye) mullet are designated as “Restricted Species.” The minimum size limit for striped mullet is 11 inches (fork length), with an allowance for a quantity of undersized mullet not to exceed 10 percent of the total weight of all striped mullet possessed.
Do mullet jump for fun?
“Mullet jump to breathe air.”
The trapped air is believed to allow the fish to remain active in water of low oxygen concentration for about five minutes. I found this information at an Aussie Aquarium Website and find it to be intriguing.
What is the easiest way to catch mullet?
Given that mullets gather in schools near the surface, using a fly can be good way to fish them. You’ll need a small fly, and don’t expect a bright flashy lure will work on the bottom feeding mullets. Try tossing some clumps of oatmeal into the water and casting in front of the mullet as they feed.
Do mullet swim in schools?
Mullet are relatively easy to keep in a larger saltwater aquarium. They will eat a variety of small dried or frozen food items. They are active, fast-moving fish that swim in schools and are often seen near the surface.
What bait is best for mullet?
Mullet can be caught on a variety of baits including very small pieces of chicken flesh, whitebait, prawn and pipi. Another effective bait is bread dough, to which can be added flavour and scent enhancers such as tuna oil, curry powder, stock cubes or cheese.
What bait does mullet eat?
Mullet respond really well to berley. So berley the isolated are you are fishing with your own mix of bread, tuna oil and chook pellets or you can buy premade berley pellets and power from your local tackle store. Mullet have small mouths so remember to use small hooks, small pieces of bait.
How do you target a mullet?
Mullet have a definite preference for shallow water and very large fish can be seen comfortably milling around in less than a meter of water.
Where to find mullet
- the back of large shallow bays.
- where a creek meets a larger estuary system.
- up the tidal reaches of stormwater canals.
- inside breakwalls and marinas.
Is there a mullet season in Florida?
Mullet are available year round, but supply is greatest in late fall when the fish form huge schools and migrate from shallow coastal waters into deeper waters to spawn.
Can you fish with treble hooks in Florida?
Non-stainless steel circle hooks must be used when using natural baits in Federal waters. Circle hooks catch the fish in the side of the mouth preventing injury to the fish if it is released. Treble hooks can be used for fishing but
Is red mullet in season?
You can find red mullet in tropical and warm seas, especially the Mediterranean, most of the year. The best time to enjoy red mullet is between August and October. Red mullet should be avoided during its spawning season which is from May to July.
How do you catch a finger mullet?
One of the simplest ways to catch finger mullet is by using a cast net and throwing it into the area of the water where you’ve seen the fish. This Betts net (or similar) can be used. This allows you to catch several fish at once, so you can take what you need and release the ones you don’t.
Is snook season open in Florida?
Snook remains catch-and-release through Nov 30, 2022.
What fish are biting at Sebastian Inlet?
Sebastian Inlet is considered the premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida’s east coast. Fishermen flock to the pier at Sebastian Inlet to catch snook, redfish, bluefish, flounder, snapper, grouper, sheepshead, permit, whiting, blues, Spanish mackerel, and various species of shark.
Can you bait mullet in Florida?
In Florida, you are allowed to take mullet with a variety of methods, from cast-nets to traditional hook and line. You can use lures, flies, and a wide assortment of baits.
Is mullet a good fish to eat?
MULLET has a strong, distinct taste and moist oily flesh. It can be grilled or pan fried, with the skin crisping beautifully. It is also well suited to marinating, serving escabeche style, or baking. If you want a milder tasting fillet you can skin it and trim off the excess fat.