Mullet is a monotypic order, which includes 18 genera and 81 species. Most species are thermophilic. Mullets have a lumpy, elongated body, covered with large scales, capturing the head. The structure of mullets has several features, they relate to fish with a closed swimming bladder and a complex digestive system, which is associated with the lifestyle and ecological niche that fish occupy in nature. The mouth is small, in many species, with thick leathery lips. By way of feeding, mullets differ from most fish species, which are representatives of the ichthyofauna of the coastal zone of the seas.

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Mullet Fishing

Characteristics and habits of mullet

The main food of these fish is detritus – dead parts of plants and animals, partially mineralized, organic films on the bottom surface and so on. Less commonly, fish feed on benthos – benthic animals. All mullet are pelagic fish, very mobile, leading a schooling life. Fish live in the coastal zone of the seas, often in the brackish waters of estuaries and lagoons. There are species that prefer fresh water downstream. Due to the way of feeding, mullets almost never become food competitors to other species, therefore, there are positive results in acclimatization in coastal areas of the seas and closed reservoirs. In the Caspian Sea, the universe of mullet is known under the name – mugil. The natural habitat covers the tropical and subtropical zone.

Reproduction habit of mullet

Maturation of fish occurs in the 6-8 year of life. Spawning occurs in the warm season. In the Mediterranean region: in June-September. Spawning occurs on warmed sand spits. Pelargic caviar.

Mullet fishing guide: Techniques, bait and gear

Mullet fishing techniques

Mullet is considered a tasty and healthy fish, in many regions there is industrial extraction with net gear. Among amateur anglers, fish is also a very favorite fishing item. The most successful fishing methods are numerous specialized rigs using bottom, float rods using natural baits. Mullet, depending on the species and region, more or less actively react to spinning lures, as a rule, these are small spinners.

Float fishing for mullet

Most often, mullet is caught on float gear in shallow bays, lagoons and rivers. Float tackle is used in various versions, including for fishing from the surface or with a small depth. For this, special equipment has been invented. It is important to note that the mullet is very shy, and successful fishing, despite the external unpretentiousness of gear, requires certain skills. Features of the use of float gear for catching mullets depend on the fishing conditions and the experience of the fisherman. For coastal mullet fishing, fishing rods are usually used for “blank” equipment 5-6 m long. Matching rods are used for long casting. The choice of equipment is very diverse and is limited by fishing conditions. As in any float fishing, the most important element is a correctly selected bait and attachment.

Catching mullet on bottom gear

Mullets respond to bottom gear, in the presence of certain, special equipment. The main element is bright, pop-up montages where the hooks rise above the bottom. In some cases, point feeding can be very useful, therefore, along with ordinary bottom fishing rods, it is quite possible to use feeder rigs, which are convenient for most, even inexperienced anglers. They allow the fisherman to be quite mobile in the pond, and because of the possibility of point feeding, they can quickly “collect” fish in a given place.

The feeder and picker, as separate types of equipment, currently differ only in the length of the rod. The basis is the presence of a bait tank-sinker (feeder) and replaceable tops on the rod. The tops vary depending on the fishing conditions and the weight of the feeder used.

Nozzles for fishing can be any nozzle, either of vegetable or animal origin, and pasta. This fishing method is available to everyone. Tackle is not demanding on additional accessories and specialized equipment. This allows you to fish in virtually any water body. It is worth paying attention to the choice of feeders in shape and size, as well as bait mixtures. This is due to the conditions of the reservoir (river, bay, etc.) and the food preferences of local fish.

Mullet fishing bait

Mullet is caught on various baits of plant and animal origin, depending on local fish preferences. Mullet pecks from the surface, even on a crust of bread. In the variant of fishing on the coast, sea worms and so on are more often used. For feeding, various, even unusual ingredients are used. Along with plant wines, they use shellfish and fish.

Mullet fishing place

Mullets are quite widespread in the warm waters of the oceans. The habitat also captures the temperate zone. The fish does not go far into the sea, so it should be caught near the coastline. Especially many species live in the Indo-Pacific region. Cases of fish capture in the Baltic are known, but this is rather an exception.