Each year, beginning in September and running through October, the Atlantic mullet run brings the best fishing along the East Coast to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Luckily our local expert Captain Jerry Dilsaver is here to provide some fishing tips so you can take advantage of this prime time to cast your line off our 45-mile stretch of coastline.
What is the Mullet Run?
After a summer spent feeding in our area’s rivers and sounds, the common baitfish species known as mullet make their way out to and along our beaches as ocean temperatures begin to dip. The change in temperature signals to the mullet that it’s time to migrate south to Florida ahead of the winter. Mullet vary anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in size during the early run to 10 or 12 inches in the weeks that follow. Even an untrained eye can spot the baitfish traveling in large, quick-moving schools sometimes only feet from the beach. Given their size and concentration this time of year, the mullet run is a favorite target for game fish and fishermen alike.
What to Catch and How to Catch It
Larger species like king mackerel, red drum, mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo are especially tuned in to the sight and smell of mullet this time of year, meaning it remains among the best kinds of bait to use. To catch live mullet these days, Captain Jerry Dilsaver suggests using a cast net. Whether casting from the surf during high tide or from your fishing vessel, keep an eye out for dark spots in the water which indicate where the schools of mullet are. Casting out over these areas should provide more than enough bait for a day’s worth of fishing.
Fishing with live mullet is best but does require you to keep the bait alive in a bait pen complete with water exchange and aeration, according to Captain Dilsaver. Most ocean-worthy boats, including numerous charters in our area, have these systems built in. In addition to the proper gear, local charter captains also have the expertise to put you onto the larger game fish which are targeting the mullet.
If fishing with live bait isn’t an option for you, don’t fret. You can allow the mullet to expire if trolling for species like tuna, dolphinfish, and wahoo says Captain Dilsaver. Cutting the mullet into strips or split-tailing it can work well when properly rigged to mimic the movement of live bait.
If your preferred method is to surf fish, many bait and tackle shops in our area carry the salted mullet you’ll want to have at the end of your line. For more tips and tricks check out our surf fishing blog.
Other Ways to Experience the Mullet Run
It should come as no surprise that the largest annual fishing event in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands aligns closely with the annual mullet run. This year, the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament will be held October 2-4, 2025, at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport. Over 500 boats are expected to participate in the tournament, which is the largest of its kind on East Coast.
The guaranteed grand prize for first place is $25,000, but even more is up for grab with the opportunity to win secondary prizes. Second through 15th place winners will also receive guaranteed prize money.
If you’re up for the competition, online registration starts on August 1, 2025, and will remain open until September 30, 2025. For more information check out the tournament's website.
While the fishing in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is always top class, this year’s mullet run is sure to raise the fun and fantastic fishing up a notch. For more information about fishing in our area please visit our website www.ncbrunswickislands.com.
P.S.
If you’re hoping to enjoy the taste of your freshly caught ocean mullet, Captain Dilsaver has a couple suggestions. While you can fry them or add them to fish cakes, Captain Dilsaver’s favorite method is to barbecue them.
He suggests removing the head and butterflying the fish. Don’t worry about scaling it or removing the backbone he says. Turn the meat down onto the grill quickly to sear it, then flip it over to cook further, basting it with a Carolina-style vinegar-based barbecue sauce a couple minutes before pulling it from the grill. Cooking the fish in its scales prevents the juices from escaping and allows the flavor of the sauce to circulate throughout the meat, according to Dilsaver. Enjoy!