At a glance
6–10 in.
5–300 ft.
Daylight.
9 areas
Know it
Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.
- Identification
A small pink-red fish with two long chin barbels it uses to search the sand, a steep forehead, a dark stripe from the eye to the tail, and yellow lengthwise stripes. Its cousin the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) has no stripes on the first dorsal fin.
- Typical size
6–10 in.
- Maximum size
About 16 in and up to about 2 lb.
- Diet
Worms, small crabs, shrimp and clams found by probing the sand with its barbels.
- Behavior
Moves in small groups over sand near rocks and seagrass, digging with its barbels; other fish follow it to steal food.
Find it
Where, when and how deep to look.
- Where to find it
Found from Spain & Portugal (Azores, Madeira & Canaries), France, Italy & Malta, Greece & the Adriatic, Turkey, Cyprus & the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea & Caspian, United Kingdom & Ireland, Morocco & West Africa and Northern & Central Europe. Sand and mixed bottoms near rocks through the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Atlantic from the North Sea to West Africa and the Canaries.
- Habitat
Sand and mixed bottoms near rocks through the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Atlantic from the North Sea to West Africa and the Canaries.
- Depth
5–300 ft.
- Fishing depth
On the bottom.
- Best season
Summer and autumn.
- Best time
Daylight.
- Best tides
Moving tide in the Atlantic; any time in the Mediterranean.
- Best weather / conditions
Calm days.
Bait & gear
What to tie on and what to throw.
- Best bait
Small pieces of worm, shrimp or mussel on small hooks.
- Best artificial lures
Not usually.
- Tackle setup
Light spinning or float rod.
- Hook size
Size 10–14 hooks.
- Line
6–8 lb mono.
- Leader
4–6 lb fluorocarbon.
BigJoe's setup for Striped red mullet
The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.
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Catch it
Step by step, from first cast to landing.
Step-by-step: how to catch it
- Go where it lives: Sand and mixed bottoms near rocks through the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Atlantic from the North Sea to West Africa and the Canaries.
- Rig up: Light spinning or float rod. 4–6 lb fluorocarbon.
- Pick your bait: Small pieces of worm, shrimp or mussel on small hooks. Lures: Not usually.
- Fish it: Fish a small worm bait right on the sand next to rocks and seagrass, with a light sinker.
- Time it: Daylight. Moving tide in the Atlantic; any time in the Mediterranean.
- Fishing techniques
Fish a small worm bait right on the sand next to rocks and seagrass, with a light sinker.
- BigJoe's tip
Small hooks are the key; red mullet have tiny mouths.
- Catch and release
Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.
Clean & cook
Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.
- Edibility
Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.
- Cleaning
Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
- Cooking suggestions
One of the most prized fish in the Mediterranean: fry it whole, or grill it; the liver is a delicacy.
Stay safe & legal
Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.
- Safety warnings
Harmless.
- Regulations
Minimum size 11 cm in EU Mediterranean waters; check local rules. Every country sets its own rules: sea fishing licenses or registration in some countries, a national or regional license plus a local permit for fresh water, and minimum sizes everywhere. Check before you fish.
- Conservation
Release the very small ones.