Shore fishing for mullet can be frustrating, but here we show you the correct mullet fishing tackle to help bring you more success.
Mullet are a hard-fighting fish, which are easily spooked by disturbance, certainly provide anglers with an immense sense of achievement when they land one.
Mullet often congregate in calm, shallow estuaries, often in shoals, or extremely close to the shore on an open beach. Look for clumps of seaweed that has been washed on to the beach and it’s a good bet that mullet will be close by sipping the surface.
For this type of fishing, you need to be mobile and fish light. A tripod is unnecessary. Timing is crucial when connecting with a bite, so it is recommended that your fishing rod is in your hands at all times.
Here’s everything you need for mullet fishing
Line
Use a light mainline of 6-8lb because if a mullet sees or senses it, it’s game over for sure. Avoid using fluorocarbon because this can be heavy and rapidly sinks through the water, ultimately spooking a fish. If you decide to go down the paternoster rig route, opt for an even lighter hook snood, such as 3-5lb mono.
Rod & Reel
Forget powerful rods and reels and instead focus all of your attention on going as light as possible.
A coarse-fishing feeder rod with a quiver tip coupled with a size 2000 or 3000 fixed-spool reel will probably offer you more sensitivity as well as stealth because these fish can be incredibly wary.
Rigs
Generally, float tactics are popular, especially a stick float like those used by coarse anglers or a clear bubble float. Another tried and tested method is to use freelining tactics, such as a floating piece of bread.
The less disturbance you create in the water will certainly mean you have a far better chance of tempting a mullet to the bait. Small Mepps-type spinners baited with harbour ragworms can work too.
Bait
Harbour rag, known as maddies, can be deadly when targeting a feeding mullet. Even tiny matchstick white rag will be successful, especially mounted on a moving lure such as a Mepps-type spinner.
A simple loaf of white bread can be all you need for bait. Throw a few small pieces of bread on to the surface to tempt a mullet to feed confidently before nipping a small piece around a size 10 hook.
Freeline it on to the surface among freebies and hold your breath!
Maggots can also be a good alternative, especially when mullet are feeding on seaweed strewn with flies.
Some anglers make a bucket of groundbait using bread and flaked fish, which they introduce into the water at intervals.
Landing net
A handheld landing net like those used by trout or coarse anglers is handy. When using light lines, you run the risk of pulling the hook at the last minute and a landing net certainly increases your chances of successfully bagging a fast-running mullet at the end of a fight.
All the major tackle brands, such as Leeda and Shakespeare, have a range of landing nets, and you can get varying handle lengths as well.
Lead Weights
If you do need to position a baited rig, almost certainly the best solution is to use split shot (check for local bylaws when using these), or an equivalent that is lead-free.
Tackle shops stocks this for coarse fishing, with brands such as Dinsmore and Preston Innovations being well-known brands.
