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Overview

How to target

Golden-grey Mullet
Species ID: golden-grey-mullet

Golden-grey Mullet

A warm-season shoaler on south and west UK shores, golden-grey mullet work surf tables, harbour mouths and estuary bars in clear to lightly coloured water. Target gently shelving s...

🌊 Tide: flood 💨 Wind: onshore 📅 Peak: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Best tide

flood

Moon

neap

Season

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Wind

onshore

Max weight

2.2 kg

Day vs night

Day 60%
Night 80% (best)
A warm-season shoaler on south and west UK shores, golden-grey mullet work surf tables, harbour mouths and estuary bars in clear to lightly coloured water. Target gently shelving sandy beaches with small onshore ripple that forms gutters and lateral currents. The flood to the top of the tide is prime; at dusk and after dark they push right into the first breaker. Tackle light: size 6–10 fine-wire hooks, 4–8 lb fluorocarbon, and a tiny running ledger or shallow float. Baits should be small (1–2 cm): harbour rag (maddies), ragworm sections, peeled prawn, or thin slivers of mackerel/sandeel; scented worms (Isome/Gulp) and tiny metals or micro soft-plastics also take fish. Cast along the first trough or across seams by groynes, piers and sand patches among rock. Let the surf waft the bait or use a slow creep retrieve. Expect rapid, rattly bites—keep rigs free-running and lift into steady pressure rather than striking hard. Too much chop/weed kills sport. Typical fish run 0.4–1.2 kg with the odd larger specimen in warm, settled spells.

Temperature

12–21°C

Depth range

0.3–5 m

Baits

  • Harbour Rag (Maddies) 9.2/10
  • White Rag 8.8/10
  • Ragworm 8/10
  • Soft Plastic (Sandeel) 7.2/10
  • Micro Metal (LRF) 6.6/10

Rigs

  • Long & Low 9/10

    Long snood and small hooks let ragworm/maddies waft naturally in surf gutters where golden-grey mullet patrol. Great on clean beaches and shallow surf tables; subtle presentation reduces spooking.

  • Flowing Trace 8.6/10

    A running long trace gives minimal resistance and natural movement to small worm or fish-strip baits. Ideal for estuary mouths and sandy surf, detecting shy takes from close-in fish.

  • Float (Sliding) 7.8/10

    Adjustable depth for midwater fish along harbour walls, piers, and calm surf edges. Presents small ragworm or bread flake with little resistance—perfect for wary mullet.

  • Bombarda (Casting Float) 7.2/10

    Adds casting weight to tiny baits or Isome/small soft plastics so you can cover outer surf lanes and gutters. Slow sink/slow retrieve draws takes in a breeze without spooking fish.