Millions of Mullet Surge South Come August — Anglers Call It the Most Unique Fishing Event
Last Updated on July 28, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Every year, as summer fades into fall, a spectacle unfolds along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Millions of mullet, sleek silvery fish with blunt heads, embark on a journey that sets the coastal waters abuzz with activity. This is the mullet run, a natural event that transforms the fishing scene and attracts a host of predators, from tarpon to sharks.
The mullet run kicks off in August, peaks through September and October, and can stretch into December, depending on how fast the water cools. As temperatures drop, these baitfish migrate south in massive schools sticking close to shorelines, estuaries, and tidal creeks. Their presence sparks feeding frenzies from the South’s most prized predators: tarpon, snook, redfish, and sharks among them. For Southern anglers, it’s more than a migration. It’s one of the most unique events in coastal fishing. Let’s explore some of the top mullet fishing destinations experience this high-stakes spectacle.
Florida’s Mullet Run
Best time: Mid-August to late November
The sheer volume of mullet along Florida’s East Coast is staggering. Predators like tarpon, snook, and jack crevalle put on acrobatic displays as they chase mullet through the surf. On calm days, you might witness the water’s surface erupt as massive schools of mullet attempt to evade their pursuers.
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Georgia’s Golden Isles
Best time: Early September to early November
The vast salt marshes and tidal creeks of the Golden Isles provide a labyrinth of waterways where mullet and their predators play a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Redfish and speckled trout are the stars here, often found tailing in shallow water as they hunt mullet.
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South Carolina’s Lowcountry
Best time: Mid-August to late October
South Carolina’s numerous inlets and bays create bottlenecks where mullet schools concentrate, attracting a diverse array of predators. Bull redfish, in particular, show up in force, providing anglers with chances at trophy-sized catches.
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Texas Gulf Coast
Best time: Late September to mid-December
The mullet run in the Texas Gulf Coast coincides with the arrival of bull redfish and speckled trout in the bays and passes. The clear, shallow waters of the Laguna Madre offer sight-fishing opportunities rarely found elsewhere.
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