The Mullet Run is in Full Affect
September 24, 2016 | by Steve Beare
The mullet run is in full swing. This famous yearly occurrence means one thing and that is it is time to fish. The mullet are being fed upon by many predatory species.
The Snook are targeting the mullet on the beaches of the barrier islands and the seawalls. Live mullet will be the most effective rigged up on a popping cork with about one foot of 30-pound leader. If artificial baits are your thing you can try a Rapala Skitterwalk in the gold chrome color.
Jacks are feeding on the mullet in the deeper water and channel edges. These fish don’t really provide any table fare but they are an absolute blast to catch. Live mullet are going to be your best bait again but if you like to throw artificial baits use something that mimics a mullet. When the jack get fired up they will hit just about anything.
Tarpon are feeding in the deeper channels. You can free line a live mullet on 50-pound fluorocarbon leader if you are a live bait angler. If you like to throw artificial baits you can get hooked up with a Hogie in pink or chartreuse.
Redfish are going to be found feeding around the potholes on the grass flats. Live mullet are going to be the bait of choice here again since that is their number one forage right now. If you want to try your hand with some artificial offerings, give a gold spoon or a paddle tail in a ¼ ounce jig head a try.
Remember; always check with the FWC on fish harvesting regulations before hitting the water so you know what you can bring home for dinner.