Carolina Fishing Report: Sea Mullet and a Strong Redfish Bite

Fall fishing has been less spectacular than steady, with the continued lights-out action on inshore redfish being the big draw. The transition to cold weather species has already begun in the water as redfish and speckled trout become the predominate species sought after by anglers with the sea mullet making a nice showing before they disappear.

Unfortunately the fall season is ending without a significant spot run on our piers and beaches. Many anglers were out looking for them but the spot never really did materialize, continuing an alarming trend for this important species. The past few years have not been great for spot fishing but this was with a doubt the worst.

Pier and surf anglers have been somewhat comforted by a strong season on sea mullet (whiting, Virginia mullet) which hit all season and are still being caught. Sea mullet do not run in the numbers spot do but rather filter in and out in smaller schools. This is the best season I can remember for the tasty panfish, with the sizes ranging from small to good numbers of really nice one pound class fish.

Sea mullet are still hitting but unlike trout or drum won't stay around into the winter, so now is your last chance to go after them. They are best caught in the surf and just beyond it with small number 4 or 6 hooks on regular two-hook bottom rigs. The best baits for sea mullet are cut fresh shrimp, bloodworms or artificial bloodworms, and squid although they will hit almost any natural bait on occasion.

The other constant good news during the fall season was the continued inshore presence of nice redfish (red drum). Not only did the big ones show up at the jetties for a few weeks, but nice redfish have been available all season and will likely continue to be the predominant local catch throughout the winter. Remember that the limit on red drum is 1 per day in the slot of 18 to 27 inches.

The other fish that will continue to bite during the winter are speckled trout and black drum. Most anglers will target trout with artificial lures and black drum with cut shrimp on the bottom near structure.

It is likely to be a good winter for fishing if the redfish numbers during the summer and fall are any indication. There should be action in SE NC on through to the New Year.

For more fishing articles and links see my blog A Dash of Salty.