South African Freshwater Mullet (Myxus capensis)

Information On The Freshwater Mullet

The Freshwater Mullet is a South African fish that is endemic to the Cape and Kwazulu Natal waters. This Mullet is different from other freshwater species because of it's pointed scale at the base of the pectoral fins.

The Freshwater Mullet is a stream lined, slender and beautiful fish. It was first described in South Africa in 1836. This Mullet can reach 45 centimeters, which would be the equivalent to a couple of kilograms. The Freshwater Mullet's natural distribution is from the Bree River to Kosi Bay. It is common in Eastern Cape estuaries, I caught one of these beautiful fish in such a location.

The Freshwater Mullet is the most common Mullet species that occurs in Cape river systems. They are under threat as a result of weirs and dams being built, this has resulted in populations of these fish decreasing. You can find this Mullet up to 100 kilometers inland. Freshwater Mullet breed in the ocean, this can happen at any time during the year. Below is s picture of the Freshwater Mullet...

Image obtained from the book Freshwater Fishes Of Southern Africa; Paul Skelton.

How To Catch The South African Freshwater Mullet

It is a difficult challenge to catch any of the Mullet species of South Africa with rod and reel in hand. The best and easiest way to catch the Freshwater Mullet is with any type of beach, seine or throw net. This is your best option of catching a Freshwater Mullet if you need a few for bait.

However if you are a salt water angler looking to catch A Freshwater Mullet and return it back to wherever you may be fishing, there are a few key aspects you need to know.

I have caught a lot of Mullet on my fishing rod, and when I need bait I fish for them this way, as I believe I have perfected a method of catching the Freshwater Mullet and any other Mullet species without using a net to capture these dazzling fish. I have caught the Mullet species by using a float and keeping the bait (Chokka/Squid and Prawn) off the bottom and floating right in front of the fish. First of all you need to locate the Mullet species. Once found try different fleshy baits and the smallest hook you have in your tackle box. If you can't manage to get the Mullet to bite, wait a while and then try fishing for them at dusk or dawn. This is the best time for catching Mullet as they seem to be a lot more active and don't mind eating your bait!

Fly Fishing has also proved a successful fishing method option for me. I have caught the Freshwater Mullet using different types of small dry fly's. I find the Yellow Humpey and the DDD to work in salt and fresh water to be the most successful!

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