How to Hook Mullet for Flounder Fishing
Mullet is a species of small saltwater fish commonly used for bait in surf fishing, from a pier and for trolling behind a boat. Hooking mullet for flounder fishing requires a rig and sinker weight to anchor the bait fish on the bottom, where flounder feed. Flounder bury themselves in the sandy bottom to wait for bait fish before launching a surprise attack. Ocean conditions almost always require a pyramid sinker to hold the mullet near the sandy bottom where flounder lurk in waiting.
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Things You'll Need
- Saltwater rod and reel spooled with 15-to-20 pound line
- Two-hook flounder rigs available at tackle stores
- Pyramid sinkers
- Live or frozen mullet
Instructions
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1
Go flounder fishing around inlets during high tide, when this delicious game fish moves inshore to follow bait fish move in on the rising tide.
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2
Tie a flounder rig to a nap swivel on the main line using a clinch knot. (See Resources for instructions for tying a clinch knot.)
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3
Clip a 1-oz. pyramid sinker to the snap swivel so the hook rig hangs below. This setup holds the bait in a fixed position on the bottom, while allowing the hooked mullet to float or swim freely. Use a larger sinker up to 2 oz. in turbulent surf conditions.
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4
Hook a mullet through the lips by inserting the point of the hook through the underside of the bait and pushing upward so the barb protrudes from the upper lip.
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5
Cast into surf behind the breaking waves, or lower the rig straight down when pier or boat fishing. Wait for the sinker to settle to the bottom before locking the reel.
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Wait a few seconds before setting the hook when a strike is felt. Flounder attack from behind, then turn the meal around in their mouths before biting down, so resist the temptation to set the hook at the first tug.
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Tips & Warnings
Frozen mullet will last longer on the hook, although live bait fish are clearly the preferred choice for luring flounder from their sandy lairs.
