There are a number of ways to catch mullet. You can use a cast net, hook and line and various baits…but what about lures?
Can you catch mullet on lures, and if so how?
It’s harder than you think…but it’s far from impossible. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Can You Catch Mullet On Lures?
- What Lures Do Mullet Like?
- How To Catch Mullet With Lures
- Conclusion
- Related Posts
Can You Catch Mullet On Lures?
Catching mullet on artificial lures is not easy, but it is possible. Avoid traditional large and flashy lures that trigger a predatory response. Instead use small and subtle lures, such as mini-swim baits, flies, or larvae imitations.
Leave the big topwater lures and deep-diving plugs at home if you want to catch a mullet.
They simply won’t work because they do not create the correct response…those are for big aggressive fish like jack crevalle, giant trevally and tarpon.
The most common way to catch mullet on an artificial lure is using a fly-rod. That is because with a fly rod you can cast incredibly light and small lures such as nymphs.
If you don’t have access to a fly rod, then try using an ultralight setup. Something that can cast out an extremely light micro-finesse lure that weighs 1/8th of an ounce or less.
I refer to mullet as passive feeders…they don’t chase and hunt down bait…they passively swim and feed very similar to a carp. Keep that in mind!
What Lures Do Mullet Like?
Mullet eat a variety of marine microorganisms and detritus, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are usually small.
And that is because mullet have very small mouths, and are rarely seen pursuing traditional baitfish or live bait.
Instead, they swim along the ocean floor, or throughout the water column skimming along and feeding.
So you need to choose lures that work with that in mind, and the smaller the better!
Try using miniature swimbaits, like the ones from Savage Gear on a 1/8 ounce jig head. Another option is anything from the Eurotackle Microfinesse line, such as the plankton, eurogrub jr., anisoptera.
You can also try using a sabiki rig if you want to target smaller mullet such as finger mullet.
How To Catch Mullet With Lures
To catch mullet on artificial lures you need to be calm and stealthy. Cast your lure in front of the school of mullet, and allow it to slowly sink.
Your actions with any lure for mullet should be subtle. If you’re using a swimbait lure, reel gently with a steady cadence.
If you are using a grub or other bottom lure, allow it to sink. Give it a small pop as the mullet approach to grab their attention and then just wait…patience!
Another thing that is important, is to observe your surroundings and what the mullet are feeding on.
Because mullet are found all over the world from freshwater creeks to saltwater oceans they eat different things in different areas.
Are they feeding along the bottom? Perhaps there is shrimp or krill in the area?
Anytime you can ‘match the hatch‘ and closely imitate their natural food source you’re going to increases your chances of a catch.
Conclusion
Where I live in North America, mullet are usually only targeted for bait or for food (smoked mullet, yum!)
But I know in other countries like Australia, The UK, and South Africa mullet are regarded as a quality gamefish, and rightly so.
They are challenging to catch, and most people hook and line and bait such as bread, dough, or small pieces of shrimp.
If you are up for the challenge try catching mullet on a lure next time you are on the water and have some fun!
Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.
To learn more about why I started Saltwater Mecca, visit the ABOUT page.
Thank you for reading this article. Browse around & have some fun!
