Cracking Mullet for Jake

With a free afternoon and a bit of sunshine I asked Jake if he fancied having a go at catching a mullet. I haven't  had a go for one for a couple of years but knew where we would have the best chance. The afternoon tide suited perfectly and Jake was game so I readied the gear and we made off with a few slices of hovis!

You can almost guarantee to get the fish feeding here but the window of opportunity is only 10 to 15 minutes...that's it! They are usually of a good size and numerous but once a fish is hooked you don't want to loose it...it may be your only chance.

Arriving before the prime time we spotted a few cruising fish and fed in a steady stream of free offerings. These were ignored as expected but I knew that in 20 minutes time they would be all over it. Jake found it hard to believe but patiently waited.

Right on cue, almost as if someone has flicked a 'feed now' switch they started to gulp down the bread. I flicked in the bait, it floated down towards the leading group and was immediately engulfed by the leading fish. A responsive strike saw the float and hook leave the water and whistle past my ear.....balls! Back in again and this time one of the better fish wanted the bait, the hook found it's home and I passed the rod to Jake. All he could do to start was hang on as the fish tore yards of braid from the spool. He eventually turned it and made some back before the next screaming run! With a nervous looking smile, Jake played the fish all on his own for the next 10 minutes. All of the other fish had gone with the commotion and I was preying the hook would hold as this would be his only chance.

Eventually the fish began to wallow and tire so I stood by with the net coaching Jake step by step. With her head up and Jake guiding the fish to the net she went in......he dropped the rod on the floor, dropped to his knees, threw both fists in the air and shouted "YES"!!

For his first mullet, Jake had a caught a cracker going 5lb on the nose!

After resting in the net she swam off strongly - smiles all round.
Nicely done Jake, played like a pro!!