When can I catch a mullet in Florida?

The most opportune time to cast for mullet is early morning, when the flooding tide rises at dawn. The lack of crowd and noise encourages the fish to forage around piers, jetties and estuary creeks.

Is mullet in season in Florida?

Florida’s mullet fishery typically lasts months, from November to January. A steady decline in the mullet catch may have hit rock bottom over the past year in the gulf inlets of South Florida, where once they were prevalent.

What month is the mullet run in Florida?

It takes place along Florida’s coastlines through the months of September and October. It always starts the same way: rumor fueled by wishful thinking. The mullet sightings begin sometime around the third week of August.

Are there mullet in Florida?

Florida’s mullet fish are one of the state’s most ecologically and culturally important fish. Nearly every predator that anglers target in this state feeds on them, and adults help keep the bottom and water clean by feeding on decaying leaves and algae. One of the fish’s behaviors is easily explained.

Can you catch mullet on a fly?

Keep in mind that there’s nothing easy about catching mullet on flies. It’s just a lot of fun. Admittedly, fly fishing for mullet is a personal addiction.

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.

Is there a size limit on mullet?

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.

What is the best bait for mullet?

Best Baits Small ragworms and tiny fresh fish strips, particularly mackerel, herring and pilchard work very well for catching mullet. Small crabs (soft-backed), shrimps and peeled prawns are also effective.

How long does the mullet run last?

The mullet run lasts from late August until mid November with the peak being mid September through the end of October. Mullet tend to come through in waves. Some days there is barely a trickle while other days acre sized mullet schools darken the water as far as the eye can see.

Is mullet a good fish to eat?

The fish was mostly used as bait. But now, mullet and its roe are appearing on menus at fancy US restaurants and business owners are betting on a growing demand for the fish. “It is actually good to eat but it’s considered a bait fish,” he said.

What is the best bait to catch mullet?

Depending on where you fish, bread is without doubt the best bait for mullet. Some areas they will feed on fish bait, but in the main lumps of dough are the winners. Bread is not only the perfect hook bait, it’s also great for groundbaiting.

Where can you catch mullet fish in Florida?

Florida mullet are among the largest and — locals claim — the tastiest anywhere, and mullet fishing is a time-honored way to put food on the table or pit your skills against a lively, keen-eyed fighter. Recreational fishers in Florida can test their skills against the mullet’s wiles from the beach, the dock or an open boat.

When do the mullet go south in Florida?

When water temperatures begin to drop. from August into November, mullet begin to head south from the Carolinas and Gorgia to warmer waters along the Florida Atlantic coast. The mullet can travel in giant schools consisting of many thousands of fish. Upon reaching the south point of Florida sexually mature fish…

When to use a mullet net in Florida?

Nets are especially effective for mullet runs during the autumn migration along the shore when large schools of fish return to Florida, preparing to spawn offshore. A frenzy at the water’s surface means a quick toss of the net will likely yield a number of small bait mullet or a few larger, edible fish.

How does mullet fishing affect the fishing industry?

Effect on Fishing. Mullet are a feast to the bigger predator fish (Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, large ladyfish) and also for fishermen who take advantage of non-stop fishing during this season. Thus during the Mullet Run, fishermen also feast on the bigger fish since they are in the area for the mullet fish.