FLOATS:- The best rule when deciding what float to use is to use the smallest float that the weather conditions allow. Fresh water "carp" or "stick" floats are my favourites but I also like using "chub" floats. Many people use "bubble" floats and as these are normally self weighted they are certainly very handy especially if you are at one of the outfalls. When you really get into the mullet fishing you will probably get to the stage when you have decided the best type of float for your self. Then you could do as I do and make your own floats. Mine are made from old wine bottle corks and ball point pen inner ink tubes. I will save a more detailed explanation of how to make these for a future article. HOOKS:- I have over the years caught mullet on hooks between size 18 and 10 but it really depends on how they are biting on the day and the size of the bait. If the fish are particularly shy a size 18 or 16 can be successful as there is less chance of the fish feeling it before you have had a chance to strike. When using bread as your bait you can get away with a larger hook as you can completely hide the hook quite easily. I remember  one particular day in Guernsey when we were getting bites on every cast but could not hook a fish. I had a size 10 hook on my trace and decided to go for a smaller hook to see if that would work. I decided on a size 18 and on the first cast caught a mullet of 4-10-4.

BAIT:- Again you will have to experiment as I have used bread paste, bread flake, harbour rag, mackerel, garfish, steak, luncheon meat and maggots. I have, however, tabulated my findings for some of the places in Cornwall that I have fished. RODS AND REELS:- Fresh water equipment is obviously the best and I use Carp rods with small fixed spool reels. The rod needs to have a test of between 1.5 and 2lbs and I have had some fun with split cane rods that I have rebuilt or made. SHERVEY:- When fishing in the harbours and other locations where there is no outfall it is necessary to attract the mullet so take a bucket of mixed up mackerel, bread, and bran. If you like you can add pilchard oil. I have found that the mixture must be as fresh as possible ( If it is stale or too old it can frighten the fish away ). I have also found that cooking the fish before the mixing releases the juices and you get a very nice cloud dispersing in the currents when you ladle it into your swim. Never over shervey, just drop a little in every half hour or so. You can experiment with different ingredients and it is surprising how satisfying it is when you manage to attract the mullet to your area.

BACK PAGE 1--MULLETING PAGE 2 - LOCATIONS & METHOD

PAGE 4--LOCATION CHART & FLOAT SET UP PAGE 5--PHOTO GALLERY

Phone: 01736 752037 Mobile: 07919 253065 Email: david-cains@dcains.freeserve.co.uk