Grey mullet are found all around the globe, with New Zealand the southern limit of their range. Predominantly a North Island species, they do appear around the Top of the South over summer and usually caught in nets, as they are a grazing fish, feeding on plant material and detritus sucked off the bottom or the surface of aquatic plants.
Fourteen year old Sam Bode Mitchell is not only keen on fly fishing but loves to tie his own flies. Over last summer, he fished off Nelson’s Tahunanui Beach and was surprised to hook this good grey mullet— certainly a rare catch on a rod. And a lot of fun. A tenacious battler, it put up a spectacular fight, taking Sam to his backing more than once.
Grey mullet or kanae are a prized food by Māori because of their meaty oily texture. They smoke up beautifully.
Needless to say, Sam was delighted with his catch, especially since it was deceived by a fly he’d tied himself.
