The westerly winds, cooler seas and the full moon over Easter all provide the perfect tides and topwater for this year’s sea mullet fish run.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

At this time, adult sea mullet leave inland coastal waters in large schools and head northwards along the coastline to their spawning grounds.

Many are driven into Port Stephens and up the Karuah River.

Its a perfect time for fishing which is still permitted under the COVID-19 restrictions with social distancing in place (1.5m) and with a current NSW Fishing Licence.

Best spots are riverside including off Barnes Rocks at Jimmys Beach and riverside down past the Singing Bridge at Tea Gardens.

Professional fishermen are also preparing to fish the mullet, however with COVID-19 restrictions, the market will mostly be local.

The Tea Gardens Fishermans Co-Op will be selling the mullet which is a bonus for the local economy.

Karen Malone from the Coo-op and a born and bred local is looking forward to another mullet run.

“It’s different every year, depending on the weather and the seas” Karen told NOTA, adding, ”And the Co-op is still open every day. We have had some decline in sales and our staff are working day-to-day but the fresh seafood is still fabulous, especially over Easter so drop in.”

In NSW the minimum legal length for sea mullet is 30cm with a recreational bag limit of 20.

By Sandra MURRAY