Fishing the Pacific Mullet Migration in Panama.
Every year in September and October, the unassuming mullet becomes the focus of attention in the waters along Florida's beaches, bays, and lagoons. During this period, they embark on a large-scale migration, attracting predators such as tarpon, snook, redfish, jacks, and sharks.
Pacific Mullet Migration in Panamanian Waters.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to the US Atlantic seaboard.
Each year between September and November as the wet season draws to a close and we move into the dry season, or as it is referred to here in Panama ‘Summer’ (winter for the rest of the northern hemisphere), things really kick off and we witness one of nature’s most impressive phenomena—the Pacific Mullet Migration.
This event, often overshadowed by its Atlantic counterpart, is a spectacle that captivates anglers, marine biologists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Unlike the Atlantic migration where the fish move from north to south, the Pacific migration is more a case of mullet moving out protected coastal habitats like lagoons and mangroves, making their way to more open waters to spawn.
One commonality is that the migrations are triggered by the same environmental factors, dropping water temperatures and seasonal changes in barometric pressure.
This time of year the combination of cooler clearer waters moving inshore and an increase in baitfish availability, it not unusual to pick up the odd pelagic gamefish right in the Panama Canal.
Time, Place & Manner, Fishing the Pacific Mullet Migration.
For anglers looking to make the most of the mullet migration, whether you plan to tackle the Panama Canal Grand Slam, (Peacock Bass, Snook and Tarpon) or throw topwater lures from the beach down in Pedasi or Venao, there are a few things to consider.
'As we enter the dry season we have Roosters, Jacks, Sierras, Snapper, Broomtails, Mahi and Needlefish chasing bait!
You just have to follow the Birds.’
Capt Carlito,
Time & Tide.
Early mornings and late afternoons (Sunrise & Sunset) are best.
Aligning the incoming tide through the first 2 hours of the outgoing tide with these times while focusing on estuaries, deep channels and holes along the beach will increase your chances of hooking up exponentially.
Moon phases are also a powerful defining factor. Spring tide caused by the full and new moon can also kick things into high gear.
Many fish species synchronize their spawning cycles with the new and full moon.
Snapper and grouper in particular are know to spawn during the new and full moon phases.
During this time they are generally more aggressive on the bite.
When determining the current conditions, it is best to reference a few resources and put the puzzle together yourself.
Check out Fishing Reminder for your local suggested fishing times based on a combination of factors we have touched on in this article. I have always found it to be quite a useful resource.
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Be prepared to move along the coastline to follow the schools of mullet and the predatory fish they attract. (Keep an eye on the birds, especially turns, they will let you know exactly where the fish are. But more on that in a future post.
Match the Hatch:Maximizing Your Fishing Success During the Mullet Migration
One of the most effective strategies during the mullet migration is to "Match the Hatch."
This technique involves using lures and baits that closely resemble the appearance and behavior of mullet.
The phrase "Match the Hatch" comes from the fly-fishing world but applies universally across all types of fishing. The idea is simple: use artificial lures that look and move like the natural prey present in the environment. During the mullet migration, predators are on high alert, hunting the schools of mullet.
Predatory fish are more likely to strike at something that looks and behaves like their natural prey. By matching the hatch, you are tapping into their instinctual feeding behavior. This increases your chances of success significantly, especially during the mullet migration when predators are actively hunting.
le Mullet
Grey Mullet
Choosing the Right Lure.
Appearance
The first step in matching the hatch is selecting lures that visually resemble mullet. Look for lures that have a similar size, shape, and color to the mullet in your fishing area. A great option is the Nyantunk Sinking Stickbait in the le Mullet colorway by Coeball.Bali. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures
When mullet are active near the surface, topwater lures like floating stick baits, surface poppers, and diving poppers are very effective.
Sinking Stick Baits
These are a great option when there is less surface action. Take your time to explore each water column to determine which depth the fish are holding in. If you know the sink rate of the lure you are using, you can count down to a specific depth to accurately target a specific water column. Once you are dialed in, you can accurately and reliably get your lure to the desired target depth.
Final Thoughts
While the mullet migration is a natural spectacle, it is crucial to practice sustainable fishing. Overfishing during this period can disrupt the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
Anglers are encouraged to follow local fishing regulations and guidelines to ensure the preservation of fish populations for future generations.
The Pacific mullet migration in Panamanian waters offers anglers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of nature's most remarkable spectacles. Whether you're looking to catch tarpon, snook, Pacific jack crevalle, or rooster fish, the mullet run presents exciting fishing opportunities.
We encourage every angler to practice sustainable fishing practices through catch and release and the use of fish-friendly gear, like inline single hooks on your lure rather than trebles, to promote healthy release and recovery so that future generations can enjoy the thrill for years to come.
Be safe out there and tight lines.
