The Southern kingfish has the same body shape but the marks on it's sides are less defined. The Southern is more abundant in Outer Banks waters, and both species may be mixed together along the beach. A one pound sea mullet is large enough to earn bragging rights for the lucky angler, and by any stretch of the imagination, they are not tackle busting giants. Sea mullet have gone through periods of both scarcity and abundance, but recent years have been good with excellent numbers and encouraging catches of big fish. Their popularity is well- deserved.
Sea mullet are an inshore species, an easy target for surf casters.
The torpedo-shaped body has an underslung mouth and pointed nose, a perfect design for rooting around on the bottom for food such as sand worms and mole crabs. Rarely will they hit a lure, and most of them are caught on pieces of fresh bait. Bloodworms and shrimp top the local bait menu, along with small pieces of fresh squid and mullet. Surfcasters can usually dig an adequate supply of sand fleas right at their feet. Rigging up to catch them is simple, with the standard, two hook bottom rig preferred.