What they call "sea mullet" in Florida and the Carolinas is most of the time whiting. I bet there are a few people that may actually be eating "bait" mullet but not many.
I have had the pleasure of tackling a tarpon out of my yak. Easy 125lbs and he towed me nearly a mile up and down the beach. Getting ready for the money shot and the line looped around the tip...well ...