Saltwater · Spring runs from March to May in the Bohai and northern Yellow Sea, with a second showing in autumn
Redlip Mullet
Chelon haematocheilus
The mullet of the Bohai and northern Yellow Sea, famous for its spring runs into estuaries. Its red iris is the instant separator from the flathead grey mullet, which belongs to a different genus.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Torpedo-shaped silvery body with large scales and a small mouth
- Iris distinctly reddish-orange — the single best field mark
- Lips relatively thin; no dark blotch at the pectoral-fin base of flathead type
- Two short dorsal fins, the first with four spines
- Back blue-grey, flanks bright silver with faint longitudinal lines
Habits
- Runs into estuaries and river mouths in dense schools in spring to feed and spawn
- Grazes algae, detritus and tiny invertebrates in shallow water
- Often seen cruising just under the surface in harbours and bays
- Far more northerly than most mullets — a cold-temperate Bohai/Yellow Sea species
- Shy and easily spooked; light tackle and quiet presentation are essential
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Estuary mouths during the spring run
- Harbour basins and quiet bay corners
- Shallow sandy flats when schools push inshore
Where they live
How to catch them
Spring shore float fishing Shore
Rig: Delicate float rig with small hooks and pea-sized dough baits, fished mid-water over estuary shallows
Bait/lure: Flavoured dough, bread paste
Key tip: Chum sparingly with bran; mullet sip baits gently — strike at the smallest float movement.
Light surf casting Shore
Rig: Light surf or spinning outfit with a small bombarda or float rig cast to cruising schools
Bait/lure: Tiny dough balls, small shrimp pieces
Key tip: Cast ahead of a moving school and retrieve very slowly through them.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light surf or long float rod
- Line: 6-10 lb mono
- Terminal: Fine floats, small hooks size 8-12, light shot
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 12-18 in and 1-3 lb; large fish to about 24 in and 6 lb
On the table
Good in spring — a traditional Bohai seasonal fish, steamed or braised; muddier tasting from enclosed harbours.
Similar species
Flathead Grey MulletFlathead grey mullet is a different genus (Mugil) with a broad flat head, grey (not red) iris and a dark pectoral-base blotch; redlip mullet has a red iris and a narrower head
Fourfinger ThreadfinFourfinger threadfin has four long free pectoral filaments and a much larger mouth; redlip mullet has normal pectoral fins and a tiny grazing mouthRegulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Redlip Mullet
Build today's plan