One eye on the weather and the other on the sea. This is how the mullet fishing season usually begins, and the 2023 season has already started. The period always runs from May to July. But if the south wind doesn't cooperate, the first hauls take time to happen. The south wind plays an important role because it causes cold, salty water to enter the estuaries (brackish water), causing the schools of mullet to leave for the open sea to spawn.
The ideal water temperature for mullet fishing is between 18 to 21° C. When climatic conditions are favorable, it's time to look at the sea. But it's not just a quick glance! There is a specific professional for this function, called a "vigia" (spotter). Generally, an experienced fisherman with good sensitivity to spot schools of fish.
This professional is positioned in a strategic high place, with binoculars and a radio transmitter in hand. As soon as a school is sighted, he alerts the fishermen on the beach. At the right moment, the "vigia" gives the signal for the fishermen to go into the sea with the boat and nets, positioning them (more to the left or right) to encircle the school.
If at first this may seem simple, know that it is not. There is even a science that studies this: ethnoichthyology, a discipline that seeks to understand the phenomenon of interaction between man and fish, encompassing both cognitive and behavioral aspects.
The economic and cultural importance of Mullet fishing.
Much more than an economic activity that supports many families, mullet fishing practiced in the artisanal modality, especially on the coast of Santa Catarina, is above all a cultural manifestation that brings together people, knowledge, teamwork, history, and culture. Tradition and knowledge that are passed down from generation to generation.
Although the permitted period is from May to July, the movement already begins in April, with the repair of nets and boats. It is a highly anticipated event by fishermen and local communities. So much so that in the municipality of Bombinhas/SC, mullet fishing was listed as Cultural Heritage and is currently a tourist attraction highly sought after by the public.
The Mullet Festival
To give an idea of how representative the mullet season is for fishing communities, there is the traditional Mullet Festival in Praia Grande - SP, which is in its 23rd edition and last year attracted more than 110,000 people. Serving a unique dish: grilled mullet; shrimp farofa, rice, and vinaigrette.
What is mullet meat like?
Mullet meat has a characteristic and distinctive flavor. The most common way to prepare it is grilled or baked. In addition to the consumption of the fish itself, there is a delicacy related to the species that is much appreciated: the roe (popular name for the mature ovaries of females). Baked, fried, or cured, mullet roe is highly anticipated, establishing itself as a typical autumn/winter food.
Finally, we will leave here a testimony from the renowned Chef, Sushiman, fisherman and FishCode partner, Patrick San and a photo of an "OMAKASE" combo, which in Japanese cuisine means "dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients of the day, and on this occasion it was made 100% with Mullet.
A recipe with Mullet fish
"Mullet is a fish that is in excellent condition at this time of year, with a healthy physical condition due to the abundance of food and its total vitality. It is full of accumulated energy and offers an extraordinary flavor.
However, there is a prejudice regarding this fish, as it can be easily found throughout the year at affordable prices. However, at other times, its meat does not have the same singular flavor found in its season. In addition, factors such as the type of preparation, storage, time of fishing, and method used can influence its flavor.
Unfortunately, this results in a stigma that mullet has a more intense flavor, which does not always please all palates.
However, few know that, if we follow some steps and respect certain processes, mullet offers a superior flavor and quality to many more expensive fish. Here, I present an exclusive mullet combo, which uses various combinations and ingredients that perfectly harmonize with this fish, further enhancing its flavor.
The combination of seasonal fish with seasonal delicacies, such as Yuzu lemon and shiso, provides a surreal harmony! It's as if the sea and land meet to create a truly special flavor!"
Patrick San
Mullet Preservation.
With a view to respecting the reproduction of the species, as well as the maintenance of fishing stocks, it should be noted that artisanal mullet fishing has annual catch quotas and regulations among the different modalities, such as industrial fishing, gillnet fishing, and purse seine/trawler fishing.
