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Red mullet

Mullus barbatus

Red mullet© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) is a small, brightly colored marine fish prized for its delicate, sweet flesh. Anglers prize it for light‑tackle action and its presence on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic and is popular both as a sport and a table fish.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Mullidae

Max Size

38.2 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

10-328m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring to early autumn (April‑September)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Red mullet

  • Use light tackle and fish close to the bottom where red mullet feed on small invertebrates
  • Employ small soft‑plastic grubs, tiny jigs, or fresh shrimp as bait
  • Target during low‑light periods such as early morning or late evening for increased activity
  • Maintain a sensitive, tight line to feel the subtle, quick bites of this light‑fighting species

Top Fishing Locations for Red mullet

Gulf of Oristano

Italy
beginner85% Very Common

Clear, sandy-bottomed waters with abundant seagrass beds make this Sardinian hotspot a prime red mullet destination.

Best: May to September

Cadaqués Coast

Spain
beginner80% Very Common

Rocky coves and shallow reefs along the Costa Brava host dense schools of red mullet, especially near the fishing village of Cadaqués.

Best: April to October

Southern Crete (Matala Bay)

Greece
intermediate75% Very Common

The warm, sheltered bays of southern Crete are teeming with mullet that feed on the rich benthic fauna of the limestone reefs.

Best: May to September

Nice Bay

France
beginner70% Very Common

The Mediterranean waters off Nice combine sandy bottoms with occasional seagrass patches, attracting steady mullet runs in summer.

Best: June to August

Hvar Island (Pakleni Islands)

Croatia
intermediate65% Common

The Pakleni archipelago offers clear, brackish channels where red mullet are common during the warm months.

Best: May to September

Bodrum Peninsula

Turkey
beginner60% Common

Protected bays and sandy flats around Bodrum provide ideal habitat for red mullet, especially during the late spring surge.

Best: April to September

Tenerife West Coast

Spain (Canary Islands)
expert30% Occasional

While not a traditional mullet hotspot, the western coastal reefs of Tenerife see occasional red mullet schools during warmer months.

Best: July to October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Red mullet

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 6‑7 ft, medium‑light action
Line4‑8 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft plastics, tiny jigs, or lightweight metal spoons
TechniqueBottom fishing / light jigging

Best bait: Fresh shrimp, sandworms, or small crustaceans