Fishing for Red Drum With Fresh Mullet: Bait Size, Preparation and the Right Rig

Fresh mullet is one of the most dependable baits for catching red drum on Hatteras Island. It has a natural scent that drum recognize, it can be prepared in several different ways, and—with the right rig—it holds up well in the surf.

The most important thing is to match the size of your bait, hook and rig. Finger mullet, cob mullet and horse mullet can all catch drum of all sizes, but they are prepared differently and work best with different rigs.

Our local bait guys keep us supplied with fresh bait all season but sometimes conditions make it impossible for them to catch bait or catch a certain size bait.  Don't let the size of the mullet scare you off, learn how to prepare what is available to give you the best shot at catching dinnner or a citation drum!

Finger Mullet: Whole Baits and Small Chunks

Finger mullet are the smallest of the three common bait sizes. They are an excellent choice for puppy drum and slot-size red drum in the surf, sound, inlets and around piers.

Finger mullet can be fished whole or cut into small chunks.

Best rig for a whole finger mullet

For a whole finger mullet, we recommend the Kraken Toad Full Finger Mullet Rig, available exclusively at Frank & Fran’s.

To rig the bait:

1. Remove the hook from the rig.

2. Starting at the mouth, slide the wire all the way through the finger mullet and out near the tail.

3. Put the hook back in place.

This presentation helps secure the entire bait, keeps it straight during the cast and allows the mullet to move naturally in the water.  This set up is great for bluefish as well.

Best rigs for small finger-mullet chunks

When using small chunks of finger mullet, we like a double-drop bottom rig. Two of our favorites are:

• Frank & Fran’s Buck Naked Rig

• Ninja Tackle Speckled Puppy Mullet Rig

These rigs let you fish two smaller pieces of bait while targeting puppy drum, slot drum and other fish feeding near the bottom.

Cob Mullet: Steaks or the Head

Cob mullet are larger and thicker than finger mullet but smaller than horse mullet. They are a versatile choice for slot drum and larger red drum.

Cut cob mullet into thick steaks, or use the head with a little meat left attached behind it. Keep the skin on the steaks so the bait holds together during the cast.

For smaller cob-mullet steaks, use a double-drop rig such as the Frank & Fran’s Buck Naked Rig or Ninja Tackle Speckled Puppy Mullet Rig.

For a larger steak or cob-mullet head, step up to a heavier single-hook presentation such as the Ninja Tackle Cannon Ball Drum Rig or Frank & Fran’s Circle Hook Drum Slider Rig size 5/0 and up.

Horse Mullet: Large Chunks for Big Drum

Horse mullet are the largest of the three sizes and are a top choice when targeting big red drum in the surf.

Start by filleting the mullet. Leave the skin on the fillets, then cut them into large, firm chunks. Discard the soft belly meat because it does not stay on the hook as well during a powerful cast or in rough water.

For these large horse-mullet chunks, use a heavy single-hook drum rig such as the Ninja Tackle Cannon Ball Drum Rig or Frank & Fran’s Circle Hook Drum Slider Rig size 7/0 and up.

Preparing Mullet So It Stays on the Hook

No matter which size mullet you use, leave the skin on. The skin provides the strength that helps the bait survive the cast and stay attached in the current.

Before inserting the hook, remove a couple of scales where the hook will pass through. This makes it easier to push the hook through the tough skin without crushing or tearing the bait.

For fillets and chunks:

• Cut thick, firm pieces instead of thin strips.

• Hook through the skin whenever possible.

• Trim loose edges that may spin during the cast.

• Use bait elastic if the bait needs additional support.

• Use circle hooks and keep the hook point and gap completely exposed.

Match Your Hook Size to Your Bait

Your hook size should match the size of your bait. A hook that is too small can become buried in a large chunk, preventing the hook from turning and finding the corner of the fish’s mouth. A hook that is unnecessarily large can overwhelm a small bait and make it look unnatural.

After baiting the hook, check that the point and the entire hook gap remain exposed. If the bait crowds the gap, use a smaller piece of bait or a larger hook.

When fishing a circle hook, do not jerk the rod to set the hook. Allow the line to come tight, then reel steadily as the fish loads the rod.

How to Keep Fresh Mullet Fresh

Fresh, firm mullet stays on the hook much better than bait that has become warm and soft.

Keep your mullet in a sealed bag or container on ice. Do not let it soak in melted ice water, which can soften the flesh. Take out only the bait you need for the next few casts and leave the rest in the cooler.  Waders are important part of fishing in cooler temps to keep you dry and comfortable. You can add a wader belt with a bait box with a few extra chunks of bait to keep you from walking back and forth from the cooler.

If you need to save mullet for another trip, portion it before freezing. Vacuum-seal it or wrap it tightly with as little air as possible, label it with the date and freeze it promptly. Thaw only what you expect to use and avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing the bait.

Quick Mullet and Rig Guide

Mullet size and cut	Primary target	Recommended rig
Whole finger mullet	Puppy and slot drum	Kraken Toad Full Finger Mullet Rig
Small finger-mullet chunks	Puppy and slot drum	F&F Buck Naked Rig or Ninja Speckled Puppy Mullet Rig
Small cob-mullet steaks	Slot and larger drum	F&F Buck Naked Rig or Ninja Speckled Puppy Mullet Rig
Large cob steak or head	Slot, yearling and big drum	Ninja Cannon Ball Drum Rig or F&F Drum Slider Rig
Large horse-mullet chunks	Yearline and big drum	Ninja Cannon Ball Drum Rig or F&F Drum Slider Rig

Get Fresh Bait Alerts From Frank & Fran’s

The right rig matters, but fresh bait can make all the difference. Sign up for Frank & Fran’s Fresh Bait Alerts to find out when fresh mullet and other seasonal baits arrive.

You can also stop by Frank & Fran’s Bait & Tackle in Avon, North Carolina, for fresh bait, locally proven drum rigs, sinkers, circle hooks and up-to-date advice about what the drum are biting.

We have been helping Hatteras Island anglers get #hookedonfandf since 1988.