The Lowly Mullet Ain’t So Shabby!
By Capt. Jon Zorian, Boca Beacon

The harvest of black mullet in local waters has persisted for many years…in fact, more years than one can probably imagine. Yes, the lowly mullet has been sought after by not only frequent generations of fishermen, but by civilizations much farther back in time. Kind of hard to imagine, but it’s true.

Positive evidence exists which confirms the existence of primitive Indians living in Florida 15,000 years ago who were skilled at making nets for the purpose of harvesting fish. By the 1700’s, the Calusa Indians of southwest Florida were selling or trading mullet packed in salt to the Spanish.

Throughout human existence on earth, hunters and producers of food have always been revered for their ability. What most don’t know is that the harvest of both mullet and Spanish mackerel from local waters during World War II surpassed all previous records and was a very important source of food for the military. However, that respected position of being skilled at commercial harvesting ended over a decade ago.

On November 8, 1994, thousands of hard working Florida commercial fishermen and their families were dealt a devastating blow as the net ban was approved via 72% of the vote. With their lives completely impacted by the sudden change, the need for a new livelihood was an immediate need. Could the net ban have been avoided? Possibly so, but it would have taken unified self regulation by commercial fishing experts.

After the ban, some quit the fishing business completely and sought other employment, some got into the clam harvesting business, but most readjusted their sights and became heavily involved in charter fishing. Many Florida commercial fishermen had already been splitting time between harvesting and charter fishing. In our area, tarpon fishing with clients was probably the single largest diversion from commercial fishing.

The most likely opportunity that needed expert guides was the flourishing backcountry and shallow water fishing that is excellent and world famous in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. It was a perfect fit, as what better person to know the fishing resource better than someone who has spent his or her life involved with commercial harvesting?

Another twist to the situation was the adjustment by local fishermen to harvest mullet in an alternative manner. Cast nets have been used for years to make small catches of mullet and other species, especially bait fish. Since the net ban, many enterprising local guides have resorted to this method, as it is absolutely legal. However, it’s no fun, to say the least.

Anyone who has ever thrown a net, even a small bait net of six or seven feet, knows the effort and strain to one’s back. Imagine a heavily leaded, large diameter twelve foot net being thrown over and over again, day after day…evening after evening, as is being done right now. It’s death to the back and hands, but it is the answer.

Local commercial fishermen are ringing the bell at this time with great catches. It’s not easy, but a necessity of livelihood. What appeared to be a deathblow to mullet harvesting in 1994 has resulted only in a change of method. Life goes on and the adjustment to challenge marks one’s strength.

For many individuals not in the know, the no-respect mullet represents the unexciting low end of marine species. What would anyone want with an ugly mullet? Any Florida cracker brought up close to saltwater will tell you that there is no better eating. Fall mullet containing a little fat fry up as good, or better, than anything in the sea. In addition, it’s not only locals who appreciate the species. There are thousands of pounds of black mullet being harvested right now during December on nights that you are cuddled up in bed…and, being done legally with cast nets.

Why now? Mullet spawn at this time of the year spurred by cooling temperatures, which results in them herding up in tight groups. This gives a cast net expert the opportunity to harvest enough mullet to make the time worthwhile. Generally, fishermen will pair up with one operating the boat and one throwing the net, with trade off of throwing the net being necessary due to the strenuous activity.

Roe mullet is bringing well over $1.50 per pound at the fish house…the roe being a succulent delicacy in the Orient that demands high price. So, our lowly and local black mullet is also sought after half way around the world by those who are supposed to be experts in the eating of fish. They must know something…glad they do, as local fishermen depend upon the December timeframe (give or take a week or so before and after) to earn a large part of their annual income.