Frozen Mullet: The Inshore & Offshore Bait Standard

The Angler's Guide to Fishing with Frozen Mullet

Why Frozen Mullet is a Dominant Bait Choice

Mullet are a primary forage species in coastal ecosystems globally. Their abundance, schooling behavior, and nutritional value make them a preferred meal for a vast number of game fish. Frozen mullet captures this natural appeal, offering a convenient, scent-rich, and versatile bait option that consistently triggers strikes when other baits may not.

Understanding Bait Mullet

Commonly used bait species include Striped Mullet (*Mugil cephalus*) and White Mullet (*Mugil curema*). These are schooling fish renowned for their leaping ability and are found in coastal waters, estuaries, and can even venture into freshwater. Their importance in the food web cannot be overstated, making them an instinctive target for predators.

Sourcing and Quality of Frozen Mullet Bait

Wholesale.Fishing is dedicated to supplying premium quality frozen mullet. Our mullet are typically blast-frozen from fresh catches to preserve their natural oils, scent, and firm texture. High-quality frozen mullet should exhibit relatively intact scales, bright (not dull or overly brown) skin, and clear eyes if present before freezing. Upon thawing, the flesh should be firm, not mushy.

Thawing and Preparing Frozen Mullet

• Thawing: Optimal thawing is achieved slowly in a cooler with ice or in the refrigerator. For faster thawing, place mullet in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Avoid warm water or direct sunlight which can hasten spoilage.
• On-Trip Care: Keep thawed mullet well-iced in an insulated bait cooler. Its oily nature means it can degrade quickly in warm temperatures.
• Cutting Techniques:
  • Whole Finger Mullet (3-6 inches): Perfect for inshore species like snook, redfish, flounder, and trout. Can be free-lined, fished under a popping cork, or on a bottom rig.
  • Whole Medium/Horse Mullet (6 inches+): Used for trolling for king mackerel, cobia, or as large cut baits for sharks and tarpon.
  • Chunks/Steaks: Cut larger mullet crosswise into 1-3 inch thick pieces. Ideal for bottom fishing, surfcasting, or drifting for a variety of species. The head section is a prized bait for big reds and snook.
  • Strips/Fillets: Long, tapered strips cut from the sides, often with skin on, provide excellent action. Great for flounder, redfish, or tipping jigs. The belly strip is particularly oily and effective.
  • Butterfly Fillets: Split a mullet (often with backbone removed) and splay it open for a large, flat bait presentation, good for drifting or bottom fishing.

Effective Rigging Techniques for Mullet

1. Whole Mullet:
   • Lip Hooking: For a natural presentation when free-lining or drifting finger mullet, hook through both lips (bottom up) or just the top lip.
   • Nostril/Eye Hooking: Another option for a natural swim, especially for smaller mullet.
   • Trolling Rigs: Larger mullet are often rigged with specialized trolling heads, chin weights, and single or tandem hook setups (e.g., duster rigs, "mullet rigs") to ensure they swim true.
2. Mullet Chunks/Steaks:
   • Hook securely through the meatiest part, ensuring the hook point is well exposed. Very effective on fish-finder rigs, Carolina rigs, or knocker rigs.
3. Mullet Strips/Fillets:
   • Hook the tougher (often wider) end of the strip multiple times or once securely, allowing the rest to flutter attractively. Ideal for high-low rigs or as jig trailers.

Use sharp, strong J-hooks or circle hooks appropriate for the size of the mullet (or cut piece) and your target species. Circle hooks (sizes 1/0 to 8/0+) are highly recommended for conservation and effective hook-ups, especially when fishing with larger chunks or whole mullet.

Using Mullet for Chumming

Due to its high oil content, mullet is excellent for chumming. Chopped, ground, or mashed mullet will create a potent scent slick that draws in game fish from a distance. This is a highly effective tactic when anchored or drift fishing.