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Lebranche mullet

Mugil liza

Lebranche mullet© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Lebranche mullet (Mugil liza) is a fast‑swimming, surface‑feeding fish found in coastal marine waters, estuaries and freshwater rivers. Anglers prize it for its abundance and tasty, flaky flesh, making it a popular target for light‑tackle fishing. It readily takes a variety of baits and lures, especially during low‑light periods.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Mugilidae

Max Size

80 cm

Max Weight

9 kg

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Late spring through early fall (May‑September) when water temperatures rise above 20 °C

Best Time

Early dawn and late dusk; night fishing can also be productive

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Lebranche mullet

  • Use light spinning gear and cast small jigs or soft‑plastic swimbaits near the surface
  • Fish near structure such as mangrove roots, piers, or shallow sandbars where mullet congregate to feed
  • Offer natural baits like shrimp, worms, or bread on a small hook and let the fish take it slowly
  • Retrieve lures with a steady, slow retrieve and occasional pauses to mimic injured prey

Top Fishing Locations for Lebranche mullet

Puerto del Carmen, Veracruz

Mexico
beginner70% Very Common

A popular estuarine inlet where the Gulf currents bring abundant Lebranche mullet; shallow flats and mangrove-lined channels make it easy to locate schools.

Best: May-September

Key West, Florida Keys

United States
beginner60% Common

The backcountry waters around Key West host large schools of Lebranche mullet; night trolling and light rigs are especially productive.

Best: March-June

Rosetta, Nile Delta

Egypt
intermediate55% Common

The Nile's outflow into the Mediterranean creates brackish lagoons teeming with mullet; local boats provide access to the best feeding grounds.

Best: October-February

Shark Bay, Western Australia

Australia
intermediate45% Occasional

Shallow bays and seagrass beds in Shark Bay attract seasonal migrations of Lebranche mullet, especially during the southern summer.

Best: November-February

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa
beginner65% Common

The warm Agulhas Current brings plentiful mullet to Durban's estuaries; surf fishing and pier casting are both effective.

Best: May-October

Mactan Island, Cebu

Philippines
intermediate50% Common

Coastal lagoons and mangrove channels around Mactan host dense schools of Lebranche mullet; early morning light fishing yields best results.

Best: April-October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Lebranche mullet

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 6‑7 ft, fast action
Line8‑12 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft plastics, minnow‑style jigs, or surface poppers; bright colors work well
TechniqueLight‑tackle casting or drift fishing, keeping the lure/bait near the surface

Best bait: Live shrimp, earthworms, small pieces of bread or fish strips