“No one knows. Fires burn, the sky is blue and mullet jump.”
~Unknown
One of the most popular and interesting fish here in northwest Florida is the mullet. Fishermen throw their cast nets from every available surface from bridges, docks, boats and even while wading in shallow waters. Mullet can be identified by their propensity to leap out of the water, sometimes jumping five or six times before they make their final splash down--not unlike skipping stones. Why you may ask do they jump out of the water? Well there are an infinite number of theories, but the one that seems to ring with the sound of truth is simply because they can. They may be escaping predators, or grabbing some air to breathe easier or as I read from one young person, they leap so they can see where they are going. :) Regardless of why, I have to admit to sitting by the water waiting for the familiar splash of a mullet landing after its brief time in the air. It's part of the sights and sounds of the bay. Not only are they entertaining, but the fish are pretty tasty too. Mullet can be fried, blackened, smoked and baked. I've had mullet blacked and I have to say it was very good. But my heart belongs to the staid, non-jumping red snapper. Yum.
Up and away
Splash down.
Wow, what timing!!! They are such fun to watch, aren't they? Hope you're having a good summer.
ReplyDeleteFlorida Farm Girl took the words out of my mouth - you had perfect timing! I also love that young person's explanation, it makes complete sense:)
ReplyDeleteAnd you didn't catch one?? :-)
ReplyDelete