Shark Fishing Sebastian Inlet with Ramp Monster Mike During the Fall Mullet Run
There's something truly exhilarating about the fall mullet run in Florida, especially when it comes to shark fishing at one of the state's prime locations—Sebastian Inlet. Every year, schools of mullet migrate southward along the Atlantic coast, attracting some of the ocean's biggest predators, including bull sharks, blacktips, and spinner sharks. For any angler, this is the perfect time to target these incredible fish, and that’s exactly what Ramp Monster Mike set out to do in his latest shark fishing adventure.
In this video, Mike O’Gorman from Ramp Monsters heads to the famous Sebastian Inlet, a shark-fishing hotspot, to capitalize on the action-packed fall mullet run. Armed with heavy-duty gear, live mullet, and a passion for big fish, Mike takes us through an unforgettable day of battling sharks right from the shoreline. Here’s a breakdown of the day's action, tips, and why the fall mullet run is the ultimate season for shark fishing in Florida.
The Fall Mullet Run: Nature’s Feeding Frenzy
The fall mullet run, which typically occurs from September through November, is one of the most significant migrations in Florida’s marine ecosystem. Millions of mullet travel down the coast in massive schools, creating a feeding frenzy for large predatory fish, including tarpon, snook, jacks, and of course—sharks.
At Sebastian Inlet, the narrow cut of water between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean creates a natural funnel, drawing predators from both the lagoon and the open ocean. The mullet are often packed tightly in this area, making it a prime hunting ground for sharks that wait for an easy meal. This makes it the perfect time for anglers like Mike to hook into some monster sharks.
The Setup: Gear and Tactics for Shark Fishing
For this adventure, Mike and his crew brought out the big guns—heavy-duty surf rods with 80-100lb braided line, wire leaders, and large circle hooks designed to handle the power of a big shark. Live mullet, fresh from the cast net, was the bait of choice. The team rigged up with fish finder rigs, allowing the bait to move naturally with the current, mimicking the movements of the massive schools of mullet that were swimming through the inlet.
When fishing for sharks, especially in a high-traffic spot like Sebastian Inlet during the mullet run, timing and location are key. Mike knew that fishing at the peak of the incoming tide would give him the best chance of hooking into a shark as the tide would push the mullet into the inlet, bringing the sharks with them.
Hooking into the First Shark
It didn’t take long for the action to start. As soon as the mullet were in the water, Mike’s reel started screaming as a powerful shark inhaled the bait and took off toward deeper water. The initial run was fast and intense—typical of blacktip and spinner sharks, which are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water. Mike expertly handled the rod, applying steady pressure to tire out the shark without snapping the line.
After several blistering runs and a few adrenaline-pumping jumps, the shark finally tired out and Mike brought it closer to the shoreline. It was a solid blacktip shark, around 6 feet long—a perfect start to the day. After a quick photo op, the shark was safely released back into the inlet, ready to continue its hunt.
More Sharks Join the Party
The fall mullet run isn’t just a one-shark show, and Mike proved that with several more hookups throughout the day. As the tide continued to push mullet through the inlet, the shark action remained steady. Bull sharks, known for their brute strength, also made their presence known. One of the day’s highlights was when Mike hooked into a massive bull shark that put his gear to the test.
Bull sharks are among the toughest fighters in the shark world, and this one was no exception. The fight lasted over 30 minutes, with long, powerful runs and several close calls where the shark nearly made it back into the rocks. With patience and skill, Mike eventually brought the beast in close enough to get a good look before releasing it back into the water.
Why Shark Fishing at Sebastian Inlet is Special
Sebastian Inlet is renowned for its world-class fishing, and the fall mullet run makes it even more magical. The combination of swift currents, deep water access, and the abundance of baitfish creates the perfect environment for sharks and other predators to thrive. For anglers like Mike, it offers the chance to battle some of the ocean's most powerful creatures without ever stepping foot on a boat.
One of the best aspects of fishing at Sebastian Inlet is the accessibility. Whether you’re surf fishing from the beach, standing on the jetties, or even fishing from a kayak, the inlet provides plenty of opportunities to hook into trophy-sized sharks during the fall run. Plus, the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida’s natural beauty only adds to the experience.
Tips for Shark Fishing the Mullet Run
If you’re planning to fish the fall mullet run for sharks, here are a few tips based on Mike’s successful day:
Use the Right Gear: Sharks are powerful fighters, so you’ll need heavy-duty tackle to stand a chance. Mike used 80-100lb braided line, wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and large circle hooks to ensure a solid hookup.
Bait Selection: Live or freshly dead mullet are the best bait during the run, as they mimic the natural prey that sharks are hunting. Use a cast net to catch mullet right at the inlet if possible.
Timing is Everything: Fish the incoming tide when the mullet are being pushed through the inlet. This is when sharks are most likely to be actively feeding.
Safety First: When handling sharks, make sure to use long pliers or dehooking tools to safely remove the hook without getting too close to the shark's mouth. Always release sharks quickly and safely to ensure their survival.
Respect the Environment: Shark fishing is a thrilling sport, but it’s important to practice conservation. Always release sharks carefully and avoid areas where fishing is prohibited.
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