F ull blown summer is here all and low water levels with warm water temperatures are in our future for the next few months. Getting on the water early will undoubtedly be a key factor for anglers serious about fishing the flats.
Find concentrations of mullet and find the predators! Is it really this simple? Actually it can be, though not all of the time. It seems as weâre experiencing a bumper crop of mullet this summer and they appear to be everywhere. How do we pick where to start our day if there is plenty of baitfish all over? First, I look for fish feeding on the mullet. If nothing catches my eye I watch the âtravel lanesâ the mullet are using.
Any high volume lane which comes close to a prominent point, drop-off, contour ridge or other structure gets my immediate attention. If things donât pan out for me on points I look for edges and contour ridges (they are subtle in the NIRL). Finally I look for an active lane near docks or other manmade structures. If none of these areas are holding fish itâs time to decide whether to continue on until we stumble on to fish or pick up and try another area.
Obviously, if you find predators feeding on mullet a live or cut chunk of mullet is a great choice. Too, many common mullet imitations are fine choices. Favorites of mine are Exude RT Slugs in a variety of colors with Smokinâ Shad topping the list. Aqua Dreamâs weedless spoon in the new mullet pattern is awesome as a search bait and is perfect for the angler who has trouble with twitch baits. Matching top-water plugs to the size of the mullet you are fishing near can be critical. I lean towards the Fender Walker wooden plugs by Banks Lures when fishing around the big mullet as Iâm targeting gator trout, monster reds or snook on docks, rocks or mangroves. Iâm expecting some tarpon action with the Fender Walkers very soon too! My favorite top-water âfingerâ mullet imitation is the Ghost Walker by Sebile. Try different colors, but always have one in White Lady!
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