October is right here, and together with it comes crisp coastal air, quieter seashores, and people wild faculties of striped mullet placing on a present. Should you’ve been out recently from Imperial Seaside to Huntington, you’ve in all probability seen them – silver torpedoes slicing by waves, leaping clear out of the water. Late summer time into fall is their time to shine down right here, with water temps round 65-68°F sparking large faculties.
However right here’s the factor, whereas mullet fish in So Cal are all over the place, who’s really touchdown them? I’ve been working the seashores for years, pulling perch, corbina, croaker, halibut, seabass and many others. However mullet? Nope.
This month’s report dives into the striped mullet which is a species of fish in So Cal that has slipped beneath the radar for almost all of the surf fishing group. I used to be impressed to put in writing this text after being impressed by a strong write-up from Pier Fishing in California (verify it right here).
Full disclosure: I’m no mullet grasp. That is all from digging by boards, outdated angler tales, and surf/bay studies. I’ haven’t any private wins but, only a pile of curiosity and group buzz. ‘ve by no means caught a mullet in San Diego, however I’ve seen tons of of them, if not 1000’s. My purpose is to assemble and unfold sufficient data to determine some form of approach to efficiently goal and catch mullet in San Diego and So Cal. Have you ever hooked mullet fish in So Cal? What labored? Drop your ideas within the feedback for those who’re prepared.
Recognizing Mullet Fish in So Cal: Know Your Goal
Many locals mistake them for child yellowtail or jacks. They’re chunky fish with a torpedo-shaped physique, broad flat head and two dorsal fins spaced far aside. They’ve faint black stripes on their silvery sides and an olive-green again with a tiny black spot on the higher pectoral base. Mullet fish in So Cal can attain lengths of three ft and 15 kilos, however native faculties sometimes run 1-2 ft and some kilos. They’re bottom-feeders, sucking up algae, detritus, and tiny critters from the muck, which makes surf fishing for mullet a problem.
These wild jumps? Pure spectacle, however they spook quick and college tight. Excellent news: they’re not simply within the surf. Mullet love bays too. Estuaries and bay mouths pull them in sturdy from late spring by fall, peaking now (October) earlier than they ease off as we enter November.
The place to Discover Mullet in So Cal
Striped mullet in So Cal are stated to flock to fresh-salt transitions, however I’ve seen them nearly all over the place to be sincere. I personally have seen them at actually each seaside I’ve fished in San Diego so I don’t know if discovering them is the difficulty. If anybody thinks they’ve bought a scorching spot, that may be appreciated in the event that they care to share within the feedback.
Surf Fishing Suggestions for Mullet Fish in So Cal
Mullet are veggie-lovers, not bait-biters, one suggestion is to chum 20-Half-hour to attract them in, then droop bait 6 inches off the underside. I’ve additionally heard of squid tentacles working. Others have reported seeing mullet hitting floating inexperienced weeds close to the floor.
Prompt Setup (that is purely what I’ve learn)
- Rod/Reel: Mild spinning rig, 7-9 ft, med-light for soft-mouth really feel.
- Line: 4-6 lb fluorocarbon chief (some anglers swear you want 2 lb).
- Rig: I’ve heard sizes 8-12 hooks are most well-liked and a few say a bobber is critical as the very best presentation is a pair inches off the underside. Options appreciated right here.
- Fly anglers, strip a small algae fly blind – this really looks like the one species that fly fishermen may need extra success catching than these with spinning gear.
Bait
Once more, these are all simply concepts I’ve heard…
- Dough Balls: Combine cooked oatmeal and cornmeal (1:1), knead with water or ghost shrimp oil/mussel juice. Type hook-sized nuggets, agency however bait-friendly.
- Moss/Algae: Seize opaleye moss from bait retailers; swirl onto hooks. Thawed, squished peas work too.
- Bread Ball: Sand-mixed bread balls (Hawaii-style chum). Toss handfuls to coach faculties.
- Squid: Squid tentacles on #8 mosquito hooks landed some. Strive wispy inexperienced flies for floor feeders.
Drift naturally into their path, keep away from arduous units (lips tear straightforward), and land gently to maintain faculties calm.
Remedy the Mullet Thriller Collectively
Striped mullet in So Cal are that quirky, head-scratching sight that retains us curious – not the last word prize, however a enjoyable fall puzzle when all the things else appears to be slowing.
Should you’ve bought any tales or recommendations on fishing for mullet, please share them within the feedback beneath.
