
Mullet fish, known for its distinct flavor and versatility, is a popular choice for seafood lovers. Whether you’re looking to buy it fresh, frozen, or prepared, finding mullet fish can be a challenge depending on your location. In this guide, we’ll cover where you can buy mullet fish, from local markets to online suppliers, and tips on ensuring you get the best quality product.

What is Mullet Fish?
Before diving into where you can buy mullet fish, it’s important to understand what makes this fish special. Mullet fish are typically found in coastal waters around the world and are known for their firm texture and strong, earthy flavor. They are commonly used in Mediterranean, African, and Southern U.S. cuisines. Mullet fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
There are two primary species of mullet fish that are widely available:
- Striped mullet: Found along coastlines and in brackish waters.
- White mullet: A smaller species, typically found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Local Fish Markets
One of the best places to find mullet fish is at your local fish market or seafood market. Fish markets often carry fresh, locally sourced mullet, especially in regions where mullet is abundant, like the Gulf Coast, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. The benefits of buying from a local fish market include:

- Freshness: You’re more likely to get freshly caught mullet, especially if you live near the coast.
- Expert advice: Fishmongers can help you choose the best cuts and offer cooking tips.
- Supporting local businesses: Purchasing from local markets supports the local economy and the fishing industry.
If you’re not near the coast, you may want to call ahead to see if your market carries mullet fish or if they can special order it for you.
Grocery Stores
Some large grocery store chains carry mullet fish, particularly in coastal areas or regions with a demand for seafood. Chains like Whole Foods, Publix, and Kroger sometimes stock mullet fish in their seafood departments, either fresh or frozen. The selection may vary based on location, but these stores often offer the convenience of buying mullet fish along with your other groceries.
When buying from grocery stores, keep in mind:
- Frozen vs. fresh: Fresh fish might not always be available, so you may need to opt for frozen mullet.
- Sustainability: Check if the store offers sustainably sourced mullet, as this can be important for environmentally conscious shoppers.
- Price: Grocery stores often have competitive prices compared to specialty markets, though the quality might differ.
Online Seafood Suppliers
For those who may not have access to local fish markets or specific grocery stores, online seafood suppliers are an excellent option for purchasing mullet fish. Many online stores specialize in delivering fresh or frozen seafood directly to your door. Some of the top online seafood suppliers that may carry mullet include:

1. Sea to Table
Sea to Table partners with sustainable fisheries across the U.S. to offer a variety of seafood, including mullet fish. They provide options for purchasing whole fish, fillets, or smoked mullet.
2. Vital Choice
Known for its wide range of high-quality seafood products, Vital Choice often has mullet available for purchase, either fresh or smoked. Their products are sustainably sourced and come with information about the region where the fish was caught.
3. Fulton Fish Market
Fulton Fish Market is one of the oldest fish markets in the U.S., and they offer nationwide shipping of a variety of fish, including mullet. You can browse their selection of fresh mullet and have it delivered to your doorstep.
4. Lummi Island Wild
Lummi Island Wild is another sustainable seafood supplier that offers mullet among its offerings. They focus on providing wild-caught fish, and you can choose from fresh, frozen, or smoked mullet depending on availability.
When buying mullet fish online, remember to:
- Check shipping times: Make sure the supplier ships to your area and that the shipping times guarantee freshness.
- Sustainability certification: Look for suppliers that prioritize sustainable fishing practices.
- Compare prices: Online seafood can be more expensive due to shipping costs, so compare prices between different suppliers.
Fish Co-ops and Community-Supported Fisheries (CSF)
Another great option for sourcing mullet fish is through fish co-ops or Community-Supported Fisheries (CSF). These programs work similarly to farm-based CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture), where customers buy a “share” of a fisherman’s catch. In return, they receive a portion of the fresh catch at regular intervals.
CSFs are popular in coastal areas and can be an excellent way to access fresh, local mullet fish. These programs also support small-scale, sustainable fisheries, ensuring you get high-quality, responsibly sourced fish.
Restaurants and Seafood Markets
If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can enjoy mullet fish by visiting restaurants that specialize in seafood. Many restaurants along the Gulf Coast and Mediterranean regions feature mullet on their menus, either grilled, smoked, or fried.

Some seafood markets also offer prepared mullet dishes, including smoked mullet or mullet dip, which is a popular Southern delicacy. If you want to try mullet before purchasing it for home cooking, dining out can be a great way to sample different preparations.
Fishing for Mullet
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may also want to consider catching your own mullet fish. Mullet is often found in shallow coastal waters and is known for being a great fish for recreational fishing. The best times for catching mullet are typically during late summer and early fall when they gather in large schools.
Tips for Catching Mullet:
- Use a cast net: Mullet is most commonly caught using a cast net, as they swim in schools near the surface.
- Fish in estuaries or brackish waters: Mullet are often found in estuaries, lagoons, and coastal rivers.
- Timing: Early morning and dusk are the best times to fish for mullet.
Fishing for your own mullet not only provides fresh fish but can also be a rewarding outdoor activity.
Farmer’s Markets and Local Festivals
In some regions, especially those near the coast, mullet fish may be available at local farmer’s markets or seafood festivals. These markets often carry seasonal fish and seafood caught by local fishermen, giving you access to ultra-fresh mullet. Festivals celebrating regional cuisine, particularly in Southern states like Florida, often feature smoked mullet as a main attraction.
Tips for Buying Quality Mullet Fish
Whether you’re buying mullet fish at a market, grocery store, or online, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the best quality possible. Here are some tips to help you identify fresh, high-quality mullet fish:

- Smell: Fresh mullet should have a mild, briny smell. If it smells overly fishy or sour, it’s likely past its prime.
- Appearance: The skin should be shiny and the flesh firm to the touch. Avoid fish with dull, discolored skin or soft flesh.
- Eyes: Clear, bright eyes are a good indicator of freshness. Cloudy eyes can be a sign the fish is older.
- Scales and Gills: The scales should be intact, and the gills should be a vibrant red or pink, not gray or brown.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping at a local fish market, grocery store, or ordering online, finding mullet fish can be a rewarding experience. With its unique flavor and nutritional benefits, mullet is a great addition to any seafood lover’s diet. Be sure to check for freshness and consider sustainable options when purchasing, and don’t hesitate to explore various cooking methods to enjoy this versatile fish at its best.