Bob Popovics,
The " Siliclone Mullet "

Living along the seashore of New Jersey for over 30 years, I've witnessed many fall migrations. Around the 10th. of September [ give or take a couple days], mullet start to leave the back bays for the cooler ocean waters. This migration of " Mullies " may last through election day, although more often ending by late October. The migration seems to begin at the same time up and down the mid -atlantic states. They start their long journey southward covering hundreds of shoreline miles. The " mullet Run " is considered the beginning of the fall season. The influx of fresh bait seems to wake-up the previously docile resident fish. Waters that seemed empty just a few days ago come alive with leaping finger mullet.

The mullet come down in stages. Sending the six inchers first for about ten days or so. They swim very fast and travel in schools of about five to fifteen dozen. These are considered the vanguard group. They are quickly followed by smaller and smaller sized mullet as the days progress through October. Small two inch specimens usually indicate the mullet run is slowing down. Still to come will be a brief return to the six to seven inch " mulls " and possibly even larger " cobbs "! Generally, the cobbs will be about ten to twelve inches and can signal some great fishing ahead.
It takes a seasoned eye to observe mullet in the surfline as they cruise by. They use their silvery sides and lightly coloredbacks to blend in . They swim along the bottom or near the surface, open ranks or closed. Using large eyes, strong tails, and a middle linebacker toughness, they will use any or all of their strengths to last the long trip. I have netted many mullet and noticed numerous body bruises, or chopped tails inflicted by predators, yet many still make it safely home.

When predators such as Striped Bass, Bluefish or False Albacore zero in on them, the mullet immediately surge to the surface to flee. With great speed and jumping ability, they make a good account of themselves. Their stamina allows them to fight long for survival, forcing the predators into creative stratagies to catch them. It's incredible to watch as many Stripers may lay back,seemingly uninterested, till " white water " covers the surface , AMBUSH usually occurs ! The bass apparantly use this momentary lack of visibility and confusion to take advantage of the mullet. As nature is keen on balance, the mullet is able to use it's great defensive skills to leap free of danger more often than not. Realizing the mullet's tendacy to surface escape, the fly fisherman will most likely select a top water fly design for best results. The Siliclone Mullet is a leading choice.

The Siliclone utilizes a bucktail wing and a fleece head. What makes it unique is the fleece AND the application of silicone on the trimmed fibers. This creates a barrier from quick water intrusion, thus making it ride very high in the water column. The rest of the fly's construction includes a more rounded shape, some flash, eyes of course, but attention to silouhette is primary !
Putting everything together, you will find the " Siliclone Mullet " to be an important addition to your fly box.
END >-----<o>, POP-FLEYES

MATERIAL LIST: "SILICLONE MULLET"
TREEY COMBS HOOK
MONO THREAD
SHEEP FLEECE
BUCKTAIL
FLASHABOU
PRISM EYES
SILICONE
PHOTO-FLO OR JET DRY AND WATER