Mullet (Poddy)

Sea mullet

The term "poddy" refers to the juvenile of a particular species. Poddy mullet are very popular with anglers for use as live bait, especially in estuaries and around river mouths for flathead and off the beach when targeting tailor and mulloway/jewfish. However, it is difficult to identify the various species of mullet, particularly when they are juveniles. As a result anglers may take any species of mullet, for use as live bait only, provided they are less than 15cm and the total number does not exceed 20.

Distribution - Particularly abundant in estuaries and coastal waters of NSW, the latter two species are more prevalent in southern NSW.

Size – Sea (bully) mullet reach a maximum length of approximately 75 centimetres and 8kg in weight, while flat-tail mullet and sand mullet are a smaller species, reaching a maximum length of approximately 45cm.

Characteristics - The head of the sea (bully) mullet is very broad when viewed from above, but narrowed when viewed from the side. The back of these mullet may vary in colour from steely blue, olive green to brown, while the belly is a bright silvery white colour and the body is fat and cylindrical. The sand mullet is a much more streamlined fish with a more pointed, narrower head and smaller eyes. A small, dark blotch is evident at the base of its pectoral fins and the fish is much more silver overall.

Confusing species - None