One of the most effective baits for catching saltwater fishing in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina is cut mullet. I personally have fished with mullet chunks inshore, in saltwater lagoons, and offshore. Importantly, I have succeeded in using the bait in each of the three. Here are 4 tips that you need to know about using mullet as cut bait. 

4 Tips To Know Using Mullet As Cut Bait

Fortunately, there is no shortage of mullet in the coastal waters of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This variety of fish congregates in large schools, and as a result, they are easy to spot. 

Catch Fresh Mullet

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge is catching live mullet. Although they are easy to spot, the schools of fish swim rapidly. I highly recommend catching mullet compared to buying frozen mullet. 

It should be noted that the best method for catching mullet is a cast net. A cast net is a large circular enclosure fitted with weights and a long tether line. Take it from me, I have thrown cast nets for years and, even today, find it a challenge to achieve a perfect toss. The goal is for the net to span as wide as possible when impacting the water. A wide span traps more mullet in the net on a single throw. 

When spotting schools of mullet don’t miss on your first throw! A poor throw will scatter the school, and a scattered school takes time to assemble as a group again. A good throw yields 10 to 80 mullet depending on the size. I prefer finger mullet. 

Don’t worry about bringing along a live well bucket. Throw the mullet on ice so they remain cold before being cut into chunks. 

Use A Sharp Knife

Once the bait has cooled over ice, it will be ready to chuck with a sharp knife. Storing mullet on ice firms the flesh making it easier to cut clean. 

While a cutting board is helpful it is not necessary when chucking mullet. Conversely, what is most important is using a sharp knife to cut through the fish with ease. 

The ideal size for cut mullet are pieces measuring between 2 and 2.5 inches. Importantly, don’t fillet the fish but instead cut and discard the tail, cut and discard the head and then slice the core of the body into chucks. I recommend cutting one fish at a time. Use all of the cut bait from one fish before slicing another. The reason is to maximize freshness. Chucked mullet will begin to dry out. 

Lastly, store the chunked mullet in a zip lock bag and keep it over ice. Re bait the hook as necessary. 

Bait The Hook Through The Skin

It should be noted that mullet skin is thick and coarse. Use the skin’s thickness and coarseness to your advantage when fishing. 

When using mullet as cut bait I highly recommend a circle hook. Remember, the bait is soaking on the bottom or beneath a float with no natural motion. Therefore, the fish finds it by scent and slowly consumes the bait. As a result, the fish is at high risk of swallowing a J hook compared to a circle hook.

Always place the hook from one side of the skin, through the flesh, and out the opposite side skin. When the hook passes through skin twice, it becomes nearly impossible to be picked free by bait stealers. 

I have caught redfish, bonnethead shark, and black drum, all on cut mullet. Personally, I can attest to the fact that I have only been cleaned roughly a dozen times by using this method. 

Store The Bait In A Cold Place While Fishing

Freshness is critical when it comes to fishing with cut mullet. Fresh bait contains a more natural scent, palpability, and appearance. 

Allowing bait to sit outside a cooler in direct sunlight and heat will quickly reduce its effectiveness. If you plan to catch fish for dinner with the cut mullet, you’ll already have a cooler with ice on hand. This is the most convenient option for storing the chunked and the whole mullet. 

If after a day of fishing, whole mullet are still left over, cut the remaining into chunks and store in a big on ice until you arrive back home. Undoubtedly, the chunked mullet can be placed in the freezer and used another day. Remember, it will lose some scent; therefore, another option is to toss the bait into the water as it will act as chum. 

Follow The 4 Tips When Using Mullet As Cut Bait

Use what is available in your area when it comes to bait. Again, mullet are abundant in coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Why spend money on previously frozen bait from a bait shop when a cast net will do the trick? Always remember to obtain a fishing license and check local regulations before casting a line or net. Cut mullet will help you catch more fish.Â