Grey Mullet

We are now in late may and a hot, calm spell has arrived. This can make fishing for trout during the day difficult. Mullet, however, acutally feed well in hot sunny weather. They can be found moving in tidal estuaries suprising close in to the shore. This elusive fish frequently creates rise forms and swirls on the surface of the water. I have found that they are most active two hours either side of high tide. There are specimens weighing up to about six pounds to be caught.

Tactics:

Watch the water and look for moving fish. Use a subtle approach ie. a long tapered leader, light tippet, small flies (10 to 14). A six weight rod/floating line. A line tray is important to keep mud off the line.

Mullet are omivoures so can be caught using a variety of flies such as shrimp patterns, worms, bread flies and nymphs/spiders. Its worth using two flies on your leader. I have observed them taking insects off the surface. A dry fly such as a hopper can occasionally work aswell.

Vary your retrieve. `Flies can also be fished static. The moods of the fish are changable - sometimes a stripped fly can provoke an aggresive strike.

You can also use a indicator. Under this, fish a shrimp or imitation worm on or just off the bottom and close in.

Safety:

Estuaries can be dangerous. Beware of the mud and the tide. I dont advise wading.

Guiding:

One of the nice things about sea fishing is that it is free. I can provide local knowledge on mullet fishing, fly fishing teaching and use of equipment. The fee is £50 for two hours.