- Specimens recorded
- 31 (2000–2025)
- Years on record
- 2011–2019
- Top venue by specimens
- Rosscarbery
- Current specimen threshold
- 1.50kg (3lb 5oz)
- Irish record
- 2.95kg (6lb 8oz)
Thin Lipped Mullet in Ireland
Thin Lipped Mullet (Chelon ramada) is the least commonly recorded of Ireland's three mullet species, distinguished from its thick-lipped relative by a narrower mouth and lip structure. It shares the same estuarine and harbour habitat and the same reputation for extreme wariness that makes all mullet species a specialist pursuit.
The species is genuinely less abundant in the ISFC record than Thick Lipped Mullet, which likely reflects a mix of lower natural numbers in Irish waters and the difficulty of reliably distinguishing the two species without close inspection.
As with all Irish mullet species, thin lipped mullet reward patient, technical fishing over any kind of direct approach.
When Thin Lipped Mullet Fish in Ireland
ISFC specimens cluster in September, August, and July — a late-summer pattern similar to the other mullet species, when fish shoal in estuaries and harbours in warm water.
Based on ISFC specimen records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
Where Thin Lipped Mullet Fish Best
Venue rankings below come from ratified specimen submissions, not scientific stock surveys — popular, well-fished venues will always show more specimens than remote or lightly-fished ones holding the same fish.
Rosscarbery and Cork Harbour lead the small specimen record, with Clonakilty and Clonakilty Bay also contributing — the same west Cork estuarine marks that dominate Irish mullet fishing generally.
Where recorded: 3 shore, 1 boat (27 not recorded).
See every fishing.ie venue for thin lipped mullet — ISFC-ranked or not — in the full directory below.
Size and Specimens
With a much smaller specimen record than its thick-lipped relative, a qualifying thin lipped mullet is a notable and relatively rare capture.
Based on ISFC specimen and threshold records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
How to Catch Thin Lipped Mullet
Tactics mirror those for thick lipped mullet closely — freelined bread flake introduced via a groundbait mash, fine tackle, and a patient, natural presentation.
Correctly identifying thin lipped mullet against thick lipped mullet requires checking lip and mouth structure closely, since the two can be easily confused at a glance.
The same estuarine, sheltered-water habitat and cautious feeding behaviour apply as for other Irish mullet species.
Light fly tackle with small breadfly or crab patterns can also take thin lipped mullet where thick lipped mullet are caught by the same method.
Rules and Conservation
No state licence is required for sea angling from shore or boat in the Republic of Ireland.
No licence is required for sea angling in Northern Ireland — DAERA rod licences apply to freshwater and game/coarse fishing, not sea fishing.
Thin Lipped Mullet Venues in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell thin lipped mullet from thick lipped mullet?
Check the lip and mouth structure closely — thin lipped mullet have a narrower mouth. The two species are easily confused at a glance.
What's a specimen thin lipped mullet?
The current ISFC threshold is 1.5kg — a genuinely rare capture given how few thin lipped mullet specimens are recorded compared to thick lipped mullet.
Best time of year for thin lipped mullet?
Late summer into early autumn, based on the ISFC specimen record.
Do I need a licence for mullet fishing?
No — sea angling from shore or boat doesn't require a licence in Ireland.