Striped Mullet fishing in Florida

Striped mullet, or black mullet, are the gray, torpedo-shaped fish that jump and school in every Florida bay, canal, tidal creek and surf line. They feed on algae and detritus rather than baitfish, so they seldom take a normal hook bait, and most anglers catch them with a cast net. The famous fall mullet run, when big roe-filled schools pour down the Atlantic beaches and through the Gulf passes from late summer into early winter, is the time to see them in huge numbers — and it also brings snook, tarpon, redfish and sharks close to shore. For a rod, use very small hooks (size 8–10) under a light float with a pinch of bread or a tiny piece of shrimp, and chum with bread or oatmeal in calm, shallow water. Mullet are excellent eating, fried or smoked, and the small ones make the best live bait on the coast. Check current FWC rules on cast nets and keeping them.