Red Mullet | Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Red Mullet

Red Mullet

aka Mullus surmuletus

Distantly related to the grey mullet species, the red mullet has a steep sloping head with large eyes and a tapered red body with yellow lines on the upper flank. Found in the south and south-west waters of UK and Europe, into the Mediterranean water, red mullet feed along the seabed. The fish sports 2 sets of dorsal fins and a deeply forked tail and is known for its pair of long, white barbels on its chin as well as its visible scales with a distinctive bright red line along the middle of the body.

FactCommonly referred to by most of the world as a type of goatfish for its barbels on their chin, similar to the goatee of a goat. These barbs are used instead of the eyes to feel around as they have highly sensitive sensors all over them.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

Found over sandy and shingle shelves or in calmer open water.

Bait

Bait

Crab or worm baits.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Rare in the UK and European waters but when they do appear they can be found around the south of the British Isles.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

Red Mullet form groups of up to twelve or more fish. It is best to try catch them early July in calm weather with just light winds. There is no specialised tackle required to catch Red Mullet, other than an HRF or light spinning rod. Since they are caught off shore the best technique to catch Red Mullet is obviously from a boat. You should make yourself familiar with the terrain and inform yourself where schools of Red Mullet have been spotted in the area before heading out. You should fish with the tide, let the boat float and let a little line off every half minute in order to keep the fish interested and stimulated. Because Red Mullet swim in Schools, so once you have one of them on the hook you have a good chance of catching more. Bite sequences are composed of two or three rapid rattles. Release a little line to let the fish eat the bait. Now, just let the line tighten into the fish and set the hook. Be careful when working feathers or shrimp rigs, as red mullet are tight on the seabed. Be sure not to lift the rod tip too high when working feathers. It's not necessary to lift more than a few inches. It's better to use the lightest lead weight possible since bigger leads will scare off red mullet.

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