Leslie Massey
Mullet, a fish found in estuaries and inshore waters in Australia, is consumed by both humans and other fish. Sea mullet, the largest variety of mullet found in Australia, is considered a delicacy by some, while others use it as bait. They are known to eat microscopic plants, such as blue-green algae, and small invertebrates. Maggots, worms, and small fish strips are commonly used as bait to catch mullet, which are most active during the day and at dusk and dawn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Microscopic plants (e.g. blue-green algae, filamentous green algae, diatoms), macroalgae (e.g. the green sea lettuce Ulva spp.), detritus, sand, and small soft worms |
| Best Baits | Small ragworms, tiny fresh fish strips (mackerel, herring, pilchard), small crabs (soft-backed), shrimps, peeled prawns, bread balls, biscuit dough, maggots, corn, clams, and sand fleas |
| Habitat | Estuaries, inshore waters, and nearshore marine waters in south-western Australia |
| Size | Up to 80 cm and 5 kg, but mostly found below 50 cm in freshwater systems |
| Spawning Season | February to September, at sea from autumn to early winter |
| Fisheries | Western Australia Peel Harvey Estuary sea mullet fishery |
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What You'll Learn
Mullet eat microscopic plants and algae
Mullet are a versatile fish that have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They are rich in Omega 3 oils and their roe is considered a delicacy. In Australia, mullet can be found in estuaries and inshore waters, and they are known to eat microscopic plants and algae, such as blue-green algae, filamentous green algae, and diatoms. They also consume macroalgae like the green sea lettuce Ulva spp. and detritus, or dead plants and animals. This diet provides them with essential amino acids and mineral nutrients.
The flathead grey mullet, or sea mullet, is the largest variety found in Australia, and they are known to grow up to almost 80 cm and 5 kg. They are a valued commercial fishery species, managed by Fisheries Western Australia, and are typically fished using gill and beach-seine nets in estuaries and near-shore coastal waters.
Mullet are filter feeders, and their diet consists of a variety of small organisms and plant matter. In addition to the microscopic plants and algae, they also feed on zooplankton, benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms, and small invertebrates like small crabs, shrimps, and prawns. Their small mouths are suited for this type of feeding, and they are often caught on fishing hooks using small bait.
To catch mullet, fishermen take advantage of their diet and feeding habits. Effective baits include small ragworms, tiny fresh fish strips of mackerel, herring, or pilchard, and small soft-backed crabs, shrimps, and peeled prawns. A simple flake of white bread is also considered one of the most successful baits for attracting mullet. Fishermen use simple rigs with small hooks and float attachments, casting their lines just below the surface where mullet feed.
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They also eat small invertebrates and zooplankton
Mullet, a versatile fish with meaty and oily flesh, has been a part of human diets for thousands of years. They are a good source of Omega 3 oils and essential amino acids. While mullet is safe for human consumption, it is not everyone's preferred choice of fish.
Mullet are known to eat small invertebrates and zooplankton, which they find in shallow bays, creeks, and canals. They also feed on microscopic plants, such as blue-green algae, filamentous green algae, and diatoms, as well as macroalgae like the green sea lettuce *Ulva* spp. They are particularly fond of maggots, which are small soft worms, and these are often used as bait by fishermen.
The striped mullet, a species found in Australia, has a diet that includes zooplankton, benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms, and detritus (dead plants and animals). They are known to gather in schools near the surface, and fishermen use small flies and clumps of oatmeal to attract them.
The best time to fish for mullet is during the warmer months, in the early morning when the tide is rising at dawn, as the lack of crowd and noise encourages the fish to forage around piers, jetties, and estuary creeks. They have extremely small mouths, so it is important to downsize your tackle when fishing for them.
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Maggots are a favourite food for mullet
Mullet are found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and brackish rivers, and are commonly associated with mudflats, grass flats, mangrove estuaries, inlets, and sandy beaches. They are bottom feeders, and their diet consists of microscopic plants, such as blue-green algae, filamentous green algae, and diatoms, as well as macroalgae and detritus. They also feed on small animals and plants from the sea floor.
In addition to maggots, fishermen use a variety of baits to catch mullet, including ragworms, dough paste, and bread. Bread is one of the most common baits as it is inexpensive and readily available, and it can easily be mashed into small balls to attract the fish. Other baits include shrimp, worms, fish bites, corn, clams, and sand fleas.
Mullet are known as "jumping" or "happy mullet" due to their tendency to jump and skip vigorously across the water's surface. They are an important source of food and have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, including by the ancient Romans. Today, they are still widely consumed, particularly in Australia, where they are considered a delicacy when smoked, baked, or prepared in a casserole, poached, or steamed.
While maggots are a favourite food for mullet, they are also consumed by humans in some cultures. Fried maggots are eaten in places where insect-eating is common, and they are also used to make a Sardinian delicacy called "casu marzu", which is a type of rotten or decomposing cheese that is prepared to attract maggots. While some people intentionally eat maggots, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming them, including allergic reactions, bacterial poisoning, and the risk of ingesting harmful substances that the maggots have been exposed to.
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Mullet are eaten by humans in Australia
However, opinions vary on the taste of mullet. Some people enjoy eating mullet, especially when it is fresh and sourced from the open sea rather than estuaries, which can impart a muddy taste. Pan-frying, grilling, and barbecuing are popular cooking methods, and the fish is often served with lemon or lime, green salad, and potatoes. The strong flavour of the fish also lends itself well to smoking, and some people enjoy the convenience of vacuum-packing and freezing smoked mullet for a quick snack.
Despite their popularity, mullet are not considered a top choice for bait by some anglers, who suggest that other fish species are preferable for this purpose. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential exposure of mullet to heavy metals and other contaminants due to their slow growth and habitat, which may make them less desirable for human consumption.
In Australia, the Western Australia Peel Harvey Estuary sea mullet fishery is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, ensuring the sustainability of the mullet population. This fishery consists of eleven commercial vessels licensed to catch sea mullet using gill and haul nets.
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They are also used as bait to catch other fish
Mullet are used as bait to catch other fish in Australia. They are available in various forms, including whole fish, heads, gut, and fillets, and can be purchased in bulk or smaller packs. When using mullet as bait, it is important to consider the size of the hook and the presentation of the bait to increase the chances of catching the target fish species.
One technique for rigging a single hook strip bait is to start from the flesh side, pushing the hook through and then returning it to the flesh side through the skin. Alternatively, for larger baits, the hook can be pushed all the way through from the skin side, over the eye of the hook, and then twisted to bring the barb back through the skin. This ensures good hook exposure in the centre of the bait. When fishing in rivers and estuaries, general rig types include a 2/0–3/0 rig with sinker sizes suited to the depth and current.
Mullet can be used as bait for crab pots, with the whole fish placed securely in the middle of the pot to attract crabs for a feed. This technique is often used in estuaries, coastal rivers, and beaches along the east coast of Australia. When fishing from a pier, a berley pot filled with bread crumbs, tuna oil, old bait, or anything fishy can be used to attract mullet. Once the berley starts working, cast your bait and wait for the action.
Additionally, mullet make excellent live bait for larger fish species. Their small mouths require the use of small hooks, with sizes 14 to 10 being the most suitable. Using a float while fishing with mullet bait can be exciting, as it provides an indication of biting fish. Long, thin stick floats are recommended, as they offer minimal resistance to the fish pulling on the bait, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
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Frequently asked questions
Mullet mostly eat microscopic plants, such as blue-green algae, filamentous green algae, and diatoms, as well as macroalgae and detritus. They are also known to consume sand, which may help break down plant matter in their stomachs.
Maggots, small ragworms, tiny fresh fish strips, small crabs, shrimps, peeled prawns, and bread are all effective baits for catching mullet.
Yes, mullet are generally safe for human consumption in Australia, except for fish from heavily contaminated zones. They are a good source of essential amino acids, Omega 3 oils, and mineral nutrients.
Mullet can be eaten raw after light marination in vinegar, or cooked by pan-frying, smoking, baking, or steaming.
Mullet can be found in shallow bays, creeks, canals, estuaries, and inshore waters in Australia. They are typically caught during the day, at dusk, or at dawn, and are more active in waters with low oxygen concentrations.
