For many, it is the first daffodil. For others, the first cuckoo. However, for me, since I started working in Christchurch, it is the return of the Grey Mullet to the lower Stour and Avon that represents the arrival of spring.

The mullet in these rivers grow to 10 lb, but are the most frustrating of quarries. Found in shoals of 3 to 20, they follow the tide up the rivers feeding on algae and small crustaceans. Over the years I have tried many methods and many baits, yet they seem to love to ignore all. I must confess I did not start of as a mullet angler. In fact I avoided them as I fished for Sea trout in the pools of the Stour. Then one summer day I surprisingly cast a perfect fly to a rising trout. The fly drifted unmolested over it's intended victim and was slurped up by a feeding mullet. On light tackle the fish proved to be quite a handful and I think it was I who became hooked, since I now look longfully at the rivers waiting for their return.

So how do you catch these wonderful fish? I have found two methods that work for me. One is the traditional centre pin reel, a light Avon rod, a line of about 6lbs and a hook To this I simply attach a bread pasty - a small pinch of bread squeezed to the hook and fluffy at the other end. I know many would use a few swan shots to sink the bait, but on my local rivers the Mullet are used to competing with ducks as they are fed by tourists, thus a floating piece of bread is always welcomed with relish. Mullet do seem however to have a sixth sense and although a whole shoal will happily swim between your legs when you are fishing for trout, they seem to ignore most efforts to catch them. I have heard that harbour rag worm is the best bait, but never organise my trips well enough to put this to the test. My second favourite method is with the Fly, a white Charlie Brown pattern being preferred. I have done well with white muddler and white Marabou patterns; they seem to prefer a near static retrieve for best results. Whether you try these methods or you choose a small spinner, you should seriously consider fishing for Grey Mullet, as they provide a very visual sport.

Where can I find Mullet?

They love to follow the tide up estuaries, often basking in the sun on gravel bars. Other locations are marinas, where they can often be seen grazing on algae on the pontoons.