Mullet: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Mullet?
Mullet (most commonly Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus and White Mullet Mugil curema) are the greased-lightning vegetarians of the surf and backwaters. They school in massive black clouds, leap like they’re dodging rent, and feed everything from snook and tarpon to redfish and sharks. As table fare they’re regional classics; as bait they’re S-tier.
The first FishyAF Mullet was logged by @Chasinpelagic — net right, tide right, livewell full. That’s how legends start.
This FishyAF guide covers species ID, where mullet run, cast-net tips, and when to fish them live vs. cut. Click here to see what net-slingers are wearing.
🐟 Mullet Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mugil cephalus (Striped), Mugil curema (White) |
| Average Size | 8–16" typical; big adults to 5–8+ lb (Striped) |
| World Record | Teens+ lb class (species-dependent, IGFA) |
| Habitat | Surf, bays, grass flats, mangroves, marinas; brackish creeks |
| Edible? | Yes — smoked, fried, or roe (regional favorite); also elite live/cut bait |
❓ FAQs About Mullet
Where can you catch Mullet?
Everywhere there’s warm coastal water — surf troughs, grass flats, creek mouths, bridges, and marina lights. Look for nervous dimpled water and jumping schools.
How big do Mullet get?
Finger mullet run 3–5" in season; adults hit 1–4 lb commonly, with bruiser striped mullet bigger in some regions.
What is the world record Mullet?
IGFA records vary by species, but double-digit striped mullet exist. Any fish over 5 lb is a unit.
Are Mullet good to eat?
Yes — especially fresh and smoked. In the Southeast, mullet and mullet roe are classics. Bleed/ice quickly for best flavor.
How do you catch Mullet?
Cast nets are standard — throw on edges of schools at dawn/dusk. For hook-and-line, use tiny bread-dough or algae-tipped hooks under a float near marinas or grass flats.
What’s the best way to use Mullet as bait?
Live-line finger mullet for snook, redfish, tarpon, or stripers. Use chunk/cut mullet on jetties and surf for drum, sharks, and bluefish. Scale to your target and current.
What is a Mullet run?
Seasonal migrations (esp. fall) when rivers of mullet pour down beaches and inlets. It’s National Chaos Week for every predator in the zip code.
😂 FishyAF Mullet Joke
Mullet — party in the front, bait ball in the back.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
Our goal is to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Join our FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program and win cool prizes.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Cast-net mornings to jetty nights — mullet wranglers rock our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch bait — look FishyAF doing it.