Every fall, Florida’s East Coast comes alive with one of nature’s most exciting events—the annual mullet migration! Picture this: millions of silvery mullet fish exploding through the water like fireworks, creating a shimmering spectacle that draws crowds of marine life and bird enthusiasts, fishermen, and photographers from all over. It’s a frenzy of fins, feathers, and flash as the mullet move in massive schools, dodging predators and delighting onlookers.
From early September through mid-October, these small but mighty fish make their journey south, hugging the coastline in search of warmer waters. During the migration, silver and striped mullet form massive schools that stretch for miles, moving southward in search of warmer waters. The beaches of the Treasure Coast, and beyond, become front-row seats to an astonishing display of nature’s raw power.
For fishermen, the mullet run is THE event of the year because it’s not just mullet on the move—behind them come wave after wave of hungry predators like tarpon, snook, sharks, jacks and more, creating a prime fishing opportunity. The action is fast and furious, with fish practically jumping into boats as they flee from their pursuers. Anglers gear up for the mullet run like it’s the Super Bowl. Charters book up in advance and the beaches become lined with fishermen looking to reel in the big ones.
Wildlife lovers and photographers are equally thrilled by the show. The sky and sea come alive as squadrons of pelicans dive-bomb the water, ospreys soar and then skim the surface to grab up fish in their talons, and huge fish leap through the schools of mullet, their sleek bodies slicing through the chaos. Photographers with cameras at the ready wait to capture that perfect moment—a bird snatching a fish mid-air, or giant tarpon and sharks breaching clear out of the water as they attack a bait ball from beneath.
The mullet run is not just an event; it’s an experience. It’s nature’s version of a grand parade, with every participant playing a role in this mesmerizing display of survival. But beyond the fishing rods, binoculars, and cameras, the mullet run is a celebration of Florida’s vibrant ecosystem and a captivating reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the beauty that occurs when nature puts on a show.
Whether you’re casting a line, snapping a photo, or just watching in amazement, the annual mullet migration is one of Florida’s greatest wildlife spectacles, and it’s a show you’ll want to catch every year!
Mind the Fishing Regulations
If you're planning to fish during the mullet run there are a few things to know. First and foremost, FWC officers WILL be out in force to prevent illegal fishing practices which are too common during this time. There are many protected species and it's up to you to learn and follow the rules.
There's a great deal of action around the inlets in Sebastian and Fort Pierce, which are also areas that hold Goliath Grouper. Not only is it illegal to harvest these fish, it is also illegal to target them. If you capture a goliath grouper, the fish must be immediately released alive, unharmed, and with proper fish handling techniques. Do not remove large goliath groupers from the water. The skeletal structure of a large goliath grouper cannot support its weight out of the water and if brought aboard a vessel or removed from the water, the fish may sustain fatal injuries.
Snook season opened in our region on September 1 and will close on December 15, 2024 and anglers must have a snook tag to harvest these fish. Slot Limit: Not less than 28” or more than 32” total length Bag Limit: One fish per person per day.
Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag.
If you plan to target or keep sharks caught from shore, including structures attached to shore such as jetties, bridges and piers, you are required to pass an online educational course found at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse.
Once completed, you will be prompted to go to FWC’s online licensing system, where you will need to get the no-cost, Shore-based Shark Fishing permit (must be renewed annually).
Chumming is prohibited when fishing for any species from the beach.
For complete information on all Florida salt water fishing regulations, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational