Striped red mullet

Mullus surmuletus · Mullidae

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Striped red mullet
Photo: (c) Julien Renoult, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Best months

May–November

Where

  • Sandy beaches
  • Rocks
  • Seagrass

Best time

  • Daytime

Conditions

  • Calm sea

Usual size

15–30 cm

General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.

How to catch it

Methods

  • Bottom fishing
  • Float

Baits

  • Sea worms
  • Shrimp
  • Mussel

The angler's tip

Grubs in sand next to rocks by day: a small worm on a fine hook laid on the bottom, light lead, and patience.

Legal minimum size

CountryMinimum sizeSource
Morocco≥ 15 cmSource
Checked 2026-10-25

Rules change. Check the official source before you keep a fish; this table is not legal advice.

About this fish

The striped red mullet or surmullet is a species of goatfish found in the Mediterranean Sea, eastern North Atlantic Ocean, and the Black Sea. They can be found in water as shallow as 5 metres (16 ft) or as deep as 409 metres (1,342 ft) depending upon the portion of their range that they are in. This species can reach a length of 40 centimetres (16 in) SL though most are only around 25 centimetres (9.8 in). The greatest recorded weight for this species is 1 kilogram (2.2 lb). This is a commercially important species and is also sought after as a game fish.

From Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to catch Striped red mullet?

The best months are May–November. Best time of the day: Daytime.

What bait or lure works for Striped red mullet?

Sea worms, Shrimp, Mussel · Bottom fishing, Float.

What is the legal minimum size of Striped red mullet?

Morocco: 15 cm.

These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.