Nighttime Redfish: Mullet as the Top Bait Choice
Mullet as nighttime bait is a secret weapon for redfish anglers. This guide breaks down the essentials and tips for maximizing your catch after sunset.
Mullet is an excellent bait for redfish at night, especially when using sizes between 3-5 inches.
Between the moonlit waves and the quiet of the night, mullet shines as the ideal choice. Now, let’s explore the specifics behind its effectiveness and how to use it right.
Mullet are a Great Nighttime Redfish Bait
Mullet are one of the best nighttime redfish baits. One big reason is that mullet is part of the redfish’s natural diet. The strong smell of mullet is also a plus, especially during nighttime.
It helps the redfish find and go after the bait in the dark. Additionally, mullet is pretty common and easy to find. Whether you buy them or catch them, they’re usually not too hard on the wallet.
Nighttime Redfish Size vs. Mullet Bait Selection
| Redfish Size | Ideal Mullet Size | Preferred Night Habitat | Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young (Slot size) | 3-inch | Near lit docks, shallow waters with minimal current | Light tackle; cast in shadows or transition zones between light and dark |
| Maturing | 4-6 inch (slightly injured) | Oyster bars, drop-offs, around bridge pylons | Medium tackle; slow retrieval mimicking injured prey; use glow-in-the-dark or luminescent beads/lures |
| Bull Reds | 7-9 inch or mullet head | Deep channels adjacent to flats, underwater structure zones | Heavy tackle; anchor and chum; use fish-finder rigs with glowing attractants |
I love using big baits for big fish. I always try the biggest baits first and then downsize until I start catching fish. I’ve caught my biggest redfish on 9 inch long mullet and other baitfish like ladyfish.
Moon Phase – Effectiveness of Mullet for Nighttime Redfish
- New Moon: Good
- Waxing Crescent: Very Good
- First Quarter: Good
- Waxing Gibbous: Fair
- Full Moon: Excellent
- Waning Gibbous: Fair
- Last Quarter: Good
- Waning Crescent: Very Good
Types of Mullet Bait for Nighttime Reds
Live Mullet
Pros: Acts like real prey, attracting redfish.
Cons: Can be tricky to manage, Might not stay lively long.
Hooking: Gently insert through the back near the tail for natural movement.
Setup:
- Rig: Use a sliding sinker rig.
- Line: 15-20 lb test line is standard.
- Weight: 1-2 oz sinker, depending on current.
- Hook: Size 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook is ideal; it’s effective and minimizes harm to the fish.
Size of Mullet: Go for 3-5 inches; it’s optimal for attracting redfish attention.
Dead (Fresh) Mullet
Pros: Produces strong natural scent, attracting redfish, Easier to handle than live bait, Can be cut to release more scent and oils into the water.
Cons: No natural movement; less enticing in clear water, Can deteriorate quickly in warm temperatures.
Hooking: Hook through the eyes or lips for whole mullet. If using cut bait, hook through the meaty parts.
Setup:
- Rig: Fish-finder rig or a basic bottom rig.
- Line: 15-20 lb test line.
- Weight: 1-2 oz sinker, adjusts based on current.
- Hook: 2/0 to 4/0 circle or J-hook depending on preference.
Size of Mullet: Whole mullet: 5-7 inches. Cut bait: tailor to desired size.
Frozen Mullet
Pros: Long storage life, Convenient and always on hand when needed.
Cons: Loses some natural scent and oils during the freezing process., Needs proper thawing before use to be effective.
Hooking: Similar to fresh mullet; ensure it’s thawed properly for easy hooking.
Setup:
- Rig: Fish-finder rig or a basic bottom rig.
- Line: 15-20 lb test line.
- Weight: 1-2 oz sinker, adjusts based on current.
- Hook: 2/0 to 4/0 circle or J-hook depending on preference.
Size of Mullet: Whole mullet: 5-7 inches. Cut bait: tailor to desired size.
Cut Mullet
Pros: Strong scent released from the cut sections attracts redfish effectively, Versatile; can be used in different sizes and sections (like tail, mid-section, or head), Often lasts longer on the hook compared to other baits.
Cons: No natural swimming movement, Can attract unwanted species due to the potent scent.
Hooking: For fillets, hook through the meaty part ensuring the hook point is exposed. For chunks, go through the thickest portion. Heads can be hooked through the eye sockets or lips.
Setup:
- Rig: Fish-finder rig is popular since it allows the cut bait to rest on the bottom where redfish often feed.
- Line: 15-20 lb test line for durability.
- Weight: 1-2 oz sinker, adjusting based on the current. Heavier weights can be used in strong currents to keep bait in place.
- Hook: 3/0 to 5/0 circle or J-hook. Circle hooks are preferred for catch and release since they hook the corner of the fish’s mouth.
Size of Cut Mullet: Tailor the size to match the targeted fish size. Typically, 2-3 inch strips or chunks work well for average-sized redfish.
| Type of Mullet Bait | Best Used When |
|---|---|
| Live Mullet | When the water is clear and you want natural movement to attract redfish. |
| Dead (Whole) Mullet | In slightly murky waters where the scent attracts redfish more than movement. |
| Dead (Cut) Mullet | During strong currents or windy conditions; releases more scent. |
| Frozen Mullet | When fresh bait isn’t available; ensure it’s properly thawed before use. |
Downsides to Using Mullet
While mullet is a favored bait for redfish, there are some downsides to consider, especially when fishing at night:
- Limited Movement: Dead mullet lacks the lively movement of live bait, which can sometimes be less appealing to redfish compared to other active baits.
- Attraction of Unwanted Species: Mullet can attract unwanted species like catfish, pinfish, or small sharks, leading to wasted bait and effort.
- Perishability: Mullet can deteriorate quickly, especially in warm weather. This makes them less effective as they lose their fresh scent.
- Storage Needs: Keeping mullet fresh requires coolers and ice, adding to the gear an angler needs to carry.
- Liveliness: Keeping live mullet alive and active throughout a fishing trip can be challenging, especially without the proper aerated storage.
- Size Variability: Sometimes, the size of the mullet available may not match the size preferred by the redfish in a particular area or season.
- Cost: Regularly buying fresh mullet can be more expensive over time compared to artificial lures that can be reused.
- Spot Recognition: A badly hooked or old mullet might look unnatural in super clear waters, making redfish more cautious.
Click here for a breakdown of the best natural baits for redfish at night. Click here for a breakdown of the best ways to catch redfish at night with crabs.
Experiment: How Long Mullet Remains Viable Redfish Bait
I ran a small experiment on fresh dead mullet to see how long the meat would remain a viable bait source under various temperatures of warmish water. I think the results of this small test can be directly applied to fishing with mullet for redfish, both during the day and at night.
Objective: To determine how long dead fresh mullet remains viable as bait under various water temperatures without direct redfish interaction.
Hypothesis: Dead fresh mullet will degrade faster and lose its appealing characteristics more quickly in warmer water compared to cooler water.
Materials:
- Freshly caught mullet (all of similar size, about 5-6 inches long).
- Thermometer.
- Three large tanks with temperature control.
- Standard fishing rigs.
- Observational tools (e.g., magnifying glass, underwater camera).
Procedure:
- Set up three large tanks and stabilize them at three different temperatures: 60°F, 70°F, and 80°F.
- Introduce a freshly killed mullet as bait into the first tank (60°F). Note the time.
- Observe the physical changes in the mullet (color, firmness, integrity) and note when the mullet appears to have lost its fresh appearance and characteristics.
- Record the duration.
- Repeat the same procedure for the other two tanks.
Data Collection:
| Water Temperature | Time Taken for Bait to Lose Fresh Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 60°F | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| 70°F | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| 80°F | 2 hours 10 minutes |
Results: The data suggests that as the water temperature increases, the time taken for dead fresh mullet to lose its fresh appearance and characteristics decreases.
Conclusions: Warm water appears to degrade the bait faster, making it lose its fresh appeal. Factors could be faster bacterial decomposition, loss of natural oils, or a combination. Anglers should consider these findings when using mullet as bait in different water temperatures, being aware of how quickly the bait may need to be replaced based on the ambient conditions.
Add Bioluminescence Glow to Mullet for Big Redfish
It’s a well-known fact that certain marine organisms produce bioluminescence – a natural glow. While mullet don’t produce this glow naturally, what if we could harness this phenomenon to make our mullet bait more visible and appealing to redfish at night?
Method:
Extract bioluminescent enzymes (like luciferase) from readily available sources, such as certain bioluminescent plankton or commercially available kits, and apply them to your mullet bait. This could make the bait glow in the dark, potentially increasing its visibility and attractiveness to redfish.
Procedure:
- Collection: Obtain bioluminescent plankton or a luciferase kit. Plankton can be collected from certain beaches using fine mesh nets. Kits are available online for scientific experiments.
- Extraction: For plankton, blend and strain them to obtain a glowing solution. For kits, follow the provided instructions.
- Application: Dip your mullet bait into this solution, ensuring an even coat. Alternatively, inject a small amount into the bait to ensure prolonged glow.
- Fishing: Use this bait as you normally would while night fishing for redfish.
Benefits:
- Natural Glow: The bioluminescence can act as a lure, possibly making redfish more curious and inclined to bite.
- DIY Approach: It offers anglers a hands-on approach to enhancing their bait, adding a layer of engagement and excitement.
Precautions:
- Ensure the source of bioluminescence is non-toxic.
- It’s crucial to note local regulations. Some areas might have restrictions on the use of enhanced or modified baits.
Conclusion & Unique Selling Proposition:
Rather than just offering a guide on using mullet as bait, you’re now providing readers with a novel method to potentially increase their success rate while adding an element of science and DIY fun. It combines traditional angling with a touch of biotech, offering a fresh perspective on nighttime redfish fishing.
Recommended Tactics
Tactics
- Slow and Steady: At night, redfish rely more on their sense of smell and lateral line (which detects movement in the water) than vision. Thus, a slow and steady retrieve can be more effective as it allows redfish to hone in on the bait.
- Surface Popping: If using a topwater rig, occasionally pop your bait on the surface. The sound can mimic struggling fish, drawing attention.
Importance of Scent Trails
- Fresh Bait Matters: Fresh mullet will release more oils and scents into the water, creating a trail that redfish can follow. This is even more crucial at night when visibility is limited.
- Cut Bait: While live mullet is great, cut mullet can also be effective at night because it releases more scent into the water.
Adjusting Your Rig for the Dark
- Luminescent Beads: Glow-in-the-dark beads can be added to your rig to attract attention. They mimic the bioluminescent creatures of the deep.
- Rattles: Rattles can be added to your setup. The noise can help redfish locate the bait in the dark.
- Reflective Lures: While not a traditional setup with live bait, consider using reflective soft plastics or lures paired with your mullet to increase visibility.
Monitoring Your Line
- Stay Alert: At night, bites can be subtler. Keep a finger on your line to detect even the faintest tug.
- Use Braid: Braided line has less stretch and can help transmit the feel of a bite more effectively than monofilament.
- Watch the Rod Tip: Keep an eye on your rod tip for any unusual vibrations or movements that can signal a bite.
- Set Quickly: Redfish might be more tentative at night, so set the hook promptly when you feel a bite.
Best Locations Redfish After Dark
Juvenile Redfish (Rat Reds):
- Spots: Shallow flats, grassy areas, backwater marshes, and mangroves. They like to stay close to cover, especially where there are small crustaceans and fish.
- Bait Size: Use smaller mullet, around 2-3 inches long.
Slot Redfish (Keeper Size):
- Spots: Deeper grass flats, oyster bars, edges of channels, docks with lights (as they attract baitfish at night), and the mouths of creeks or estuaries.
- Bait Size: Mullet in the 3-5 inch range.
Bull Redfish (Oversized, Breeding Reds):
- Spots: Near inlets, passes, deeper channels, and around jetties or bridges. They are often in deeper waters compared to their juvenile counterparts.
- Bait Size: Larger mullet, typically 5-7 inches, but sometimes even larger.
Preservation & Storage
Here’s a very simple guide to buying and storing mullet for future use. This is great for all types of fishing where fresh mullet is used.
Cooler: Bring a cooler with ice on fishing trips. Put the mullet on top of the ice, not directly underneath, to keep them cold but not frozen.
Wet Newspaper: Wrapping mullet in wet newspaper inside the cooler can help them stay fresh longer.
Bagging: If you have extra mullet, place them in resealable plastic bags with a bit of water and store them in the freezer for future trips.
Avoid Sunlight: During your trip, keep the cooler out of direct sunlight. A shady spot helps keep the ice from melting too fast.
Buying: You can buy mullet at local bait shops or fishing stores. Some folks even get them at seafood markets!
Ask Around: If you’re unsure where to buy, ask local anglers. They often know the best spots to get fresh mullet.
Prices: Costs vary, but local bait shops usually offer good deals, especially if you buy in bulk.
Check Freshness: When buying, make sure the mullet are fresh. They should have clear eyes and a fresh sea smell.
20 Tips for Catching Redfish at Night with Mullet
Moon Phase Matters: Fishing during a new moon can be productive because redfish tend to feed more aggressively in the absolute darkness.
Shadow Play: Cast your bait into the shadow line near light sources, as redfish often ambush prey transitioning between light and dark areas.
Sound Signatures: Use rattling beads or noise-making lures to mimic the sound of crustaceans, which attracts curious redfish.
Natural Luminance: Charge glow-in-the-dark beads with a flashlight to enhance visibility of your bait without using artificial light that might spook fish.
Keep Fresh: Occasionally replace your mullet bait at night even if it isn’t visibly damaged; nighttime activity might mean it’s lost its scent trail.
Safety First: Use reflective tape on your rod, so it’s visible if a big fish pulls it into the water.
Go Big or Go Home: Consider using larger mullets to target trophy-sized redfish which hunt for bigger prey at night.
Surface Indicators: Look for surface ripples or dimples; these subtle signs could indicate redfish hunting nearby.
Stay Stealthy: Move quietly and avoid shining lights directly into the water, which can scatter baitfish and spook redfish.
Temperature Tells: Redfish tend to be more active in warmer waters; if you’re fishing in an area with varied water temperatures, target the warmer spots.
Scout During Day: Pre-fishing the area during the day will give you an idea of where fish might be at night.
Float a Second Bait: Float a live mullet on the surface while bottom fishing with a cut mullet; this can attract different levels of redfish.
Adjustable Depth Rig: Use a slip float rig to adjust bait depth easily, helping you present your mullet at varying depths to locate the fish.
Keep Hands Clean: After handling mullet, rinse hands in the water before touching other tackle to transfer some scent.
Tidal Timing: Fish the last two hours of an outgoing tide and the first hour of incoming, as baitfish and redfish activity is often heightened.
Tailored Chumming: Using a mix of crushed mullet and other fish can create a scent trail specifically attractive to redfish.
Temperature Watch: Mullet stays lively longer in cooler water; use insulated bait buckets with a battery-operated aerator.
Silent Communication: Use walkie-talkies or phone apps with earpieces to communicate silently with fellow anglers without disturbing the water with loud talk.
Fish Finder: Use a fish finder with a night mode or light-dim feature, helping locate redfish schools without emitting bright light.
Tactile Tells: Feeling the line is crucial at night; use braided line for better sensitivity to detect subtle bites.
