Fishing the Mullet Run in Florida
Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charter
As a charter captain and avid angler, I’ve found the most exciting time to hit the water to target my favorite saltwater species is during the mullet run. While the mullet run typically takes place from the end of August through November, the absolute peak hits mid-September through October here in central Florida. There’s no question why this happens to my busy season for booking fishing charters. Everyone wants to catch their Personal Best (PB) Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Jacks and/or shark during this very active season.
The best way to target fish during Florida's mullet run is by using live bait and even lures that imitate mullet. Any avid angler will tell you that fishing the edges of mullet schools, and focusing on areas thick with baitfish is the way to go. While using swimbaits and topwater lures can be effective, there’s nothing like catching some live mullet with my cast net then tossing them into a huge school of busting bait. Be certain you’re using circle hooks when using live mullet as bait. This will help to ensure an easier, faster, and safer hook-up on your targeted species. Pay attention to areas like inlets, jetties, bridge fenders, and piers, and be ready to cast directly into the mullet schools you discover.
Below are some of my favorite techniques when targeting fish during the mullet run.
•Use a cast net or snag rig to catch live mullet.
•Consider using lead weights and circle hooks to control the depth of your live mullet bait.
•Let the bait sit on the bottom to attract attention from ambush predators.
P.O. Box 290002
Port Orange, Fl. 32129
386-478-3725
www.fishnhuntmag.com
Email: fishandhuntday@gmail.com
Published By:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Shelby Harbster Zona
In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009
Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018
WRITERS:
Desiree’ Harbster
Capt. Lynda Hawkins
Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty
Front Caption:
• Courtney Gailey from Georgia caught this nice snook while fishing with Capt Jeff Patterson of Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters.
•Hook the mullet under the anal fin to allow it to swim naturally away from the casting angler.
•Hook the mullet through its nostrils to allow it to easily swim in current toward the casting angler.
•Use lures that can cover the entire water column, from top to bottom.
•Tide changes can help to concentrate fish and create feeding opportunities, so consider the tides you decide to fish.
•Drones can be used as a valuable tool to seek out large schools of mullet, making it easier to locate prime fishing spots.
•Dawn Patrol and just before sunset can be prime time for mullet run action.
•If mullet schools disappear, don’t be afraid to quickly relocate.
If you and your party are looking for an action-packed fishing adventure, look no further than Reel Harmony Fishing Charters as I’ll guarantee you catch some of your biggest and best fish during the peak of the mullet run. Fishing Central Florida during the mullet run for the last twenty years has got me more addicted to fishing than ever before. Let me share my passion for catching trophy fish with you! Call for mullet run charter availability before slots fill up.
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
(386)679-0317
ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com @capt_Harmony
MEET THE CAPTAIN! Captain Mike Kyp with Fire Line Charters, life on the water is more than a profession—it’s in his blood. Growing up at his family’s fish camp on Lake Beresford, he was piloting boats before most kids could pedal a bike. That early immersion sparked a lifelong passion for all things aquatic, from fishing and surfing to scuba diving and spearfishing. Today, his connection to Florida’s waters runs as deep as the channels he navigates.
With over six years as a licensed charter captain and a lifetime of hands-on boating experience, Capt. Mike brings unmatched expertise to every trip. Whether you are targeting inshore species or heading offshore in search of big game, he knows where the fish are—and how to get you on them. His vessel, a 26’ Century powered by twin Yamaha 200s, is fully equipped with Garmin electronics, outriggers, and even a restroom, blending performance with comfort for anglers of all skill levels.
Based out of Adventure Yacht Harbor, Fire Line Charters is perfectly positioned for a full day on the water. And when the rods are stowed and the day’s catch is iced down, guests can walk straight to Boondocks restaurant to take advantage of their cook your catch service. With Capt. Mike at the helm, every charter is more than a fishing trip—it’s a first-class Florida experience.
Captain Martin Goldys
Located at the Daytona Flea Market 2987 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach
17th Annual Gumbo Wars Event
It is soon to be “Gumbo Time” in Central Florida, right here in historic Downtown Sanford. West End Trading Company on the corner of Sanford Avenue and 2nd Street will be the host location for this 17th annual event on Saturday October 11th from noon till 5pm.
More than 20 teams will be cooking and competing for the “Peoples’ Choice Award” for this year best Gumbo! Several vendors will be joining us also for this all-volunteer Fund Raiser. This wonderful event has raised over $150,000 in the previous 16 years!
We moved the venue from the previous location at “Fish on Fire” restaurant in the South-Orlando and
the Conway area, Due to our large crowds we out grew that location and wanted to have more impact on the youth fishing community and water conservation projects in Florida that we donate the proceeds too.
Gumbo Wars president Phil Wolf says moving to downtown Sanford was a perfect fit for this type of event, more space, bigger crowds, means more funds raised for our mission. I have been apart of the “Get Hookd’ on Lake Monroe” a FREE TO ENTER fishing tournament for the last 6 years hosted by West End Trading Company every January, when they agreed to partner with us by hosting the event our team of all volunteers were all on-board.
Last years event was just 3 days post hurricane and attendance was-less than predictions but still very successful. We are hoping this years’ event will be record setting. The proceeds raised are donated back to our local youth fishing community and Florida’s clean water issues. Our JAE (junior angler education) volunteer instructional program has introduced over 10,000 kids and parents to fishing over the last 16 years, making quite an impact through State of Florida’s “Hook Kids on Fishing” program. Local youth fishing clubs Seminole Jr Anglers, Osceola Anglers and Teen Sportfishing Association all provide volunteers from their clubs to help with our great event, we donate the proceeds raised back to their clubs for their efforts and they use it for whatever their clubs need. We also donate some of the proceeds to clean-water projects all throughout Florida.
Pre-event tasting bands are now on sale for $20 on-line, that gets you all the gumbo you can eat and a voting ticket for “People’s Choice Award”, $30 day of the event.
We are still looking for more teams to compete and more vendors. $50 gets you a 10’X10’ tent space for vendors or cooks, the cooking team has to provide 5 gallons of Gumbo for serving, the winning team will get 50% of the total funds from the competing teams.
Live music, a DJ, lots of great raffle items and loads of fun to be had, for more info, for tasting bands, to volunteer or register as a cooking team or vendor visit Gumbowars.com or contact Phil Wolf at 407-790-9515 or by email phillip@coastalanglermagazine. com we hope to see everyone there for a great time!
Atlantic Red Snapper season. Eric caught his personal record of 28lbs. and his wife Kristy Fletcher caught a nice one also. Fishing out of Ponce Inlet.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides September 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
New Smyrna Outfitters
Mud
Fiddler
Blue
Sand
Clams
Finger
Ribbonfish
Mackeral-Mullet
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides October 2025
Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo
Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)
Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead! Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides November 2025
To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides
Fish Cleaning Station Book NOW!! 1-2-3 Bedrooms w/kitchens
Ike Leary Jr. with a nice bass caught from a local pond.
FWC approves final proposed rules for highly regulated BLACK BEAR HUNTING
Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve amendments to bear hunting rules, which will take effect during the 2025 hunting season.
The new rules establish Bear Hunting
Zones within four of the seven existing Bear Management Units. One hundred eighty-seven permits will be issued in total across the East Panhandle, North, Central and South BMUs, and each permit will allow the harvest of one bear within the assigned BHZ. Permits will be distributed through a random drawing. Those 18 years and older can apply as many times as they want for $5 per application.
For more information on regulated bear hunting, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit MyFWC.com/BearHunting.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
Meet The FERG’S Captains Austin and Cole Ferguson have spent their entire lives learning the saltwater fishery in the East Central Florida Region including everything from targeting snook and redfish in the backwaters to trolling for Dolphin and Sailfish along the warm currents of the Gulfstream. The brothers both obtained bachelor’s degrees from the University of Central Florida before diving headfirst into their Fishing Charter Business, Ferg’s Guide Service. They offer a variety of trip options depending on the season, but they specialize in fishing the inshore waters around Ponce Inlet for Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Sheepshead and Jack Crevalle. Having good live bait available is often crucial to convincing some of the more sought-after gamefish into biting. During their off time, Austin and Cole can often be found catching fresh live baits for their upcoming charters, as well as catching a few fish of their own to stay on top of the fish’s patterns. The main goal of every trip is to provide a fun, safe and educational experience for their clients, but very often, there are some extremely nice fish caught along the way!
Fall Fishing
August until the end of the year is undoubtedly some of the best fishing to be had in our area. We explain to our clients all year long that fall is the absolute best time to catch an inshore trophy fish. During late August and September, gamefish such as snook, redfish, tarpon and jack crevalle can be found gorging on the migratory schools of silver mullet as they pass through our region. When we’re able to locate these fish in a feeding frenzy, it makes for some fast paced,
big fish action. October through December is still an excellent time to catch all the above species, especially the large Bull Redfish. Averaging 40 inches in length and weighing 2530 pounds, these fish will give you a rigorous battle on medium-heavy spinning tackle.
During this period, large congregations of Redfish and Snook gather in our waters to spawn and fatten up for the approaching colder months. If catching a trophy Redfish or Snook is on your bucket list, don’t hesitate to give us a call this fall!
photo a
by mother and daughter team Kim Margeson
and Kelsey Margeson (daughter) site fishing at the Party Grounds. The second a legal peanut Mahi caught on the troll with strip bait and a West Wind Witch (pink/white) offshore Ponce Inlet.
The first
cuda caught
(mom)
SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY
FWC seeks sightings of rare rainbow snakes
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to report sightings of the elusive rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma), a nonvenomous species whose population has declined in recent decades.
Rainbow snakes are semi-aquatic reptiles that primarily feed on American eels, a prey species that has also declined in Florida waters. This dependency, along with habitat loss, has contributed to population reductions. Snake fungal disease is impacting rainbow snake populations in other states, raising concerns about the species’ long-term survival.
“We need help from Floridians and visitors to better understand where rainbow snakes still occur in the state,” said Kevin Enge, Research Scientist with FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Every sighting report gives us valuable data about their current distribution and helps us assess the health of the species in Florida.”
Rainbow snakes are visually striking and difficult to mistake for other species. They are iridescent black or violet-blue with three red stripes along their back. Their lip and chin scales are yellow, marked with violet spots, and adults typically reach 3 to 4 feet in length.
Continental Boat Trailers
FALL FISHING FOR RED DRUM IN THE BIG BEND
The red drum is the most popular fish to target and catch when enjoying inshore fishing. The Gulf Coast’s Big Bend area, located in Taylor and Dixie counties, offers some of the states best Red fishing. It is the perfect habitat for them to breed and survive. They can put up an explosive heart pounding battle, while bending the rod, and pulling on the drag. It is a beautiful fish that will make good pictures and great memories of a day on the water.
Redfish can be found in the creeks and on the flats. When looking for Reds on the flats, I generally look for a specific type of bottom. A hard rock bottom with rock grass, also known as pepper grass, is a great place to start. Top water plugs are great on the oyster bars. When fishing the creeks, the mouth of the creeks is a great place to start.
Redfish will eat a variety of types of bait, live and artificial. When they are feeding, the Reds will hit almost anything. Top water plugs work great in the early morning or late evening. Live baits include pinfish and shrimp, which could be presented under a pop-in cork or a free line. The old-fashioned gold spoon is a fantastic option. It could be weedless or have a treble hook. I like to include a swivel on my gold spoon.
The Red Drum population is good in the Big Bend area, and with conservation and following the FWC laws, it could remain that way for years to come. Come fish with us and let’s catch some Reds.
Captain Frank Taylor Jr. Rocky Creek Charters 904-759-6777
Rockycreekcharters.com
Colin with a nice slot redfish caught on Donald’s shrimp from Port Orange.
These snakes are usually found in or near water, including rivers, springs and brackish marshes. One south Florida subspecies was historically found in Fisheating Creek in Glades County. That location is more than 150 miles south of the nearest known population in Lake County but hasn’t been documented since 1952.
If you spot a rainbow snake in Florida, please report your sighting to the FWC. Photographs are especially helpful in confirming sightings and can be included when you submit your sighting online.
By: Capt Lynda Hawkins
screened porch addition. The mobile home portion features kitchen, half bath, and a room that can be used as a second bedroom or office. Has a 1-car garage with power, and an 11’ x 20’ storage building with power and window unit that could easily be converted to a bunkhouse situated on 1 lot with an additional 3 lots under separate tax ID, all totaling .79 of an acre. Pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for hunting season! Located in the Ocala National Forest near miles of ATV trails and 1 mile away from the boat ramp to the Ocklawaha
The Premiere Beach Fishing Guide COVERING ALL VOLUSIA COUNTY SHORELINES
Professional Guidance: Led by one of our seasoned fishing experts, we provide personalized instruction and tips to enhance your fishing skills.
Prime Locations: Access to the best local fishing spots, carefully chosen for a memorable and successful outing.
Top-Quality Gear: We supply the latest fishing equipment and tackle, ensuring you’re fully equipped for an enjoyable experience.
Safety First: Comprehensive safety briefings and adherence to all local regulations to ensure a secure and pleasant trip.
Contact us today to book your trip and start your fishing adventure! FUNCOASTFISHING.COM
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735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3
Edgewater • 386-957-3756
Fishing Knot Tying Tool
Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!
DEER HUNTING SEASON
August 15th-January 1st 3 DAY HUNTS $1,295 // 5 DAY HUNTS $1,995 Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing! www.collinslowcountryhuntingclub.com • 803-267-2825 • 10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina
We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.
We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.
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