Mullet Fishing - A Lot of Fun with a Cast NetMullet fishing is popular on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Almost everybody who has spent time on the Gulf beach has been entertained by a mullet that jumps multiple times. Just when you think it's made its last jump, it'll jump one more time.It is not a known fact why mullet jump. Some have speculated that they are shaking off parasites. Others speculate that jumping makes them a tougher target for predators. The most likely explanation is that a mullet jumps because that's what a mullet does. People who see mullet jump for the first time often grab their rod and reels and cast towards the mullet, thinking that the fish might take the bait. That isn't likely to happen because mullet are vegetarians. Rarely will a mullet take a bait that will catch other fish unless it is presented just right. That takes more practice than most beach visitors have vacation time.
Most sport fisherman on the Alabama Gulf Coast catch mullet with a cast net. That's mullet plural because on a good toss into a good school several mullet will be captured in the net. Using a cast net takes practice, but most can learn the basics fairly quickly. Here is a good primer: The seawall at Little Lagoon Pass on West Beach in Gulf Shores and the seawall at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach on the west side of the bridge are good places to try casting a net. If mullet are active, there are usually other fishermen with cast nets ready to toss when mullet swim near enough. When you see others with nets, stop and watch. Not only will you learn by example, it's entertaining to watch a good net tosser in action. Mullet are usually caught during the warm weather months from spring into fall. They can be found in brackish water as well as saltwater. Most that are caught locally will run a pound or two. These are fish you can take home for dinner. They can be fried, baked, or smoked. I recently took a photo of some mullet in the water Wade Ward Nature Park. |
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