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Surface Sensations
When fishing around large schools of bait, expect to find various species of predators attacking mullet on the surface.
• Use a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook tied with a loop knot rigged just behind the dorsal fin.
• This will ensure the mullet will swim with its tail skimming the surface, creating turbulence and an enticing wake that game fish find irresistible.
• A J-hook can be used, but circle hooks guarantee solid hookups without the need to set the hook.
• Pitch your free-lined mullet into the melee, hold your rod tip up high and wait for a strike, then its game time!
Mid Depth Destroyers
With thousands of mullet busting the surface and only one rigged with a hook, it is sometimes better to separate your offering from the rest.
• Hook your mullet in front of the dorsal fin to keep your bait swimming in the water column just below the surface where you will increase your chance of a strike.
• You can use a circle hook or J-hook, just remember that circle hooks provide consistent hookups in the corner of the jaw, promote healthier releases and lessen the chances of break offs due to frayed leaders.
Bottom Bonanza
The same circle or J-hooks tied with a loop knot can be used when targeting fish towards the bottom, the only difference is hook placement.
• The only method of enticing a mullet to swim to the bottom without the use of a weight is to hook the bait in the belly, just in front of the anal fin.
• Be careful not to damage any vital organs.
• When fishing near inlets, jetties or bridges, schools of game fish such as snook, redfish and tarpon generally congregate towards the bottom of structure.
• Remember that it will be easy to snag the bottom and lose your rig so pay close attention to your offering’s every move.
The fall bait run is special to many Florida angler’s because of the availability of bait and the aggressive nature of nearby predators. With the proper techniques and tactics, this year’s mullet run will give you the opportunity to connect with an assortment of game fish, both inshore and off, and provide you with enough memories to last until next years migration. Catch ‘em up!
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