Mullet Fishing - July 2016

I do love my mullet fishing. There's very little that pulls as well, pound for pound on the right tackle in our waters. Sadly, there seems to be very few of the thick-lip variety around these days. maybe it's something to do with their new found culinary fame thanks to various TV chefs? Whatever the reasons though, it's a shame to see such a reduction in numbers of this slow growing, sporting species in recent years.

However, when the weather settles and the rain is kept at bay there are still some nice fish to be found running up our Sussex rivers. Just recently the conditions have been perfect too. It's been far from easy fishing, as is often the way with mullet. Good old fashioned mashed bread tactics and use of a float have been working well for me though.

I find that careful feeding, little and often, is the key to success. I won't make a cast until I'm certain that there are fish in the swim. There's no mistaking when they arrive with their classic tell-tale swirls and boils. Once you get them going like this.....then it's the time to begin fishing. Sometimes they are straight on the loose feed, others it takes a while to get them going. Either way, patience is the key. The bites are usually lightning fast so quick reactions are imperative.

It's nice busy fishing which I like. Getting in to a rhythm of feeding and casting is important in building up the swim if you have numbers of fish in front of you. You've got to give them enough so they're competing for the food but not so much that they get full. A balance needs to be found.

It's always exciting when you hook a fish too. They really do go, especially in the swift waters of my Sussex estuaries. They never give up and will test your light tackle to the limit. With 6lb line and a size 10 or 12 hook then you have to take it easy. Great fun though, some call them the 'British Bonefish' and I can see why.....must try and catch them on a fly next time! It can be done......

I've also been much further upstream and had a go for the thin-lip variety. Using the baited spinner approach is a sure way of finding success with this species. Curious and a little bit predatory they can be found in large schools many miles from the sea in brackish water. I try and get out every summer and have a few sessions after these, it's good fun and when they're really on it you can expect to catch lots of fish. They are still around in good numbers unlike their thick-lipped brethren.

All you need is a mepps spinner, remove the treble, snell on a couple of small size 10 hooks and you're good to go. Thread on either a small section of king ragworm or some maddies and you might be surprised how much fun you can have!