Fishing with live mullet is an exceptionally effective technique for targeting a wide range of predatory fish, particularly those known for being wary or "tackle-shy." The key lies in presenting the bait naturally, using the right methods and tackle.
Why Use Live Mullet?
Live mullet are a natural food source for many inshore and nearshore game fish. Their lively movements and strong scent make them irresistible to predators, often outperforming artificial lures, especially when fish are finicky. Their natural swimming action, when presented correctly, mimics prey perfectly, triggering aggressive strikes.
Effective Fishing Methods
When using live mullet to target tackle-shy species, anglers often employ methods that allow the bait to move as naturally as possible. The most popular techniques include:
1. Free-Lining
Free-lining involves casting a live mullet with minimal or no weight, allowing it to swim freely in the current. This method is incredibly effective for presenting a bait naturally.
- Best For: Targeting fish holding in the upper water column or along structure where they can ambush prey.
- Technique: Cast the mullet up-current or up-wind and let it drift naturally. Keep a light retrieve on the reel to manage slack line but allow the bait to swim.
2. Drifting
Drifting with live mullet allows you to cover more water, presenting the bait to a wider area. This can be done from a boat or even by walking along a beach or pier.
- Best For: Covering large flats, channels, or open water where fish might be scattered.
- Technique: Use the current or wind to move your boat or position, letting the mullet drift alongside or behind you. Adding a small float can help keep the mullet at a desired depth and indicate strikes.
3. Slow-Trolling
Slow-trolling involves moving your boat at a very slow speed, dragging the live mullet behind. This method is excellent for covering significant ground and locating active fish.
- Best For: Open water, channel edges, or along coastlines to find migratory species.
- Technique: Maintain a minimal boat speed, just enough to keep the mullet swimming naturally behind the boat. Use your depth finder to target specific depths or structures.
Many anglers free-line, drift, or slow-troll the baits using monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders because these materials are less visible in the water, making them ideal for wary fish.
Hooking Your Live Mullet
The way you hook a live mullet significantly impacts its longevity, swimming action, and your hook-up ratio. A popular and highly effective method for live baiting, especially for tackle-shy fish, is to position the hook carefully.
- Upper Jaw Hooking: One of the most popular ways to hook a bait in these situations is to push a forged ring-eye hook through the indent or "sweet spot" just inside the mullet's upper jaw. This allows the mullet to swim freely and naturally while keeping the hook secure without impeding its breathing or movements.
- Other Options:
- Through the Nose: Similar to the upper jaw, but often less durable for strong currents or longer fights.
- Behind the Dorsal Fin: Good for keeping the bait lively near the surface, but can sometimes cause the bait to swim unnaturally.
- Through the Tail: Ideal for targeting fish that prefer to strike the tail of their prey, but can hinder the mullet's natural swimming.
Live Mullet Hooking Techniques at a Glance
| Hooking Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Jaw (Sweet Spot) | Forged ring-eye hook through the indent just inside the upper jaw. | Excellent natural swim, good longevity, secure. | Requires precision, may not suit all hook types. |
| Through the Nose | Hook through the nostrils or just forward of the eyes. | Natural swim, good for free-lining. | Can tear out easily, may drown the bait faster. |
| Behind Dorsal Fin | Hook inserted through the back, behind the dorsal fin, avoiding the spine. | Bait stays lively on the surface, good for topwater strikes. | Can hinder deep swimming, less natural in current. |
| Through the Tail | Hook through the base of the tail. | Good for fish striking the tail, allows powerful forward movement. | Can cause unnatural swimming, bait tires quickly. |
Tackle Considerations
Using the correct tackle setup is crucial for successfully fishing live mullet.
- Rods and Reels: A medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod (7-8 feet) paired with a matching reel capable of holding 20-50 lb braided line is a versatile choice.
- Line: Braided mainline offers sensitivity and strength.
- Leaders: As mentioned, monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders are preferred. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, making it excellent for clear water and wary fish. Leader strength should match your target species (e.g., 20-60 lb test).
- Hooks: Circle hooks are highly recommended as they reduce gut-hooking, improving catch-and-release survival rates and often resulting in solid jaw hook-ups. Sizes typically range from 3/0 to 8/0, depending on the mullet size and target fish.
- Weights: Minimal or no weight is often best for free-lining and drifting. If weight is needed (e.g., for strong currents or deeper presentations), use small split shots or an egg sinker above a swivel to keep the bait lively.
Keeping Mullet Lively
The effectiveness of live mullet depends on their vitality.
- Aerated Livewell: A good livewell with a robust aeration system is essential.
- Water Changes: Regularly change the water in your livewell, especially in warm conditions, to maintain oxygen levels and remove waste.
- Handling: Handle mullet gently, using wet hands or a soft net to minimize scale loss and stress.
By focusing on natural presentation and proper hooking techniques, live mullet can be an incredibly productive bait choice for a wide variety of game fish, from snook and tarpon to redfish and kingfish.
