Speckled Trout Fishing Guide

The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is the most important inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, and is equally prized in the shallow sounds and creeks of the Carolinas. Despite the name, seatrout are members of the drum family (Sciaenidae), not true trout. They are identified by prominent black spots scattered over the back and two prominent canine teeth at the tip of the upper jaw. Large seatrout ("gator trout" exceeding 8 pounds) are primarily nocturnal feeders and are considered a different fishing challenge from the average 2-pound schooling fish. Cold-weather trout fishing on Texas flats — targeting fish stacked in warm, shallow back lakes during winter cold fronts — is one of the most beloved regional fishing traditions in the South.

Speckled Trout is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and estuaries along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida and north to Maryland along the Atlantic coast. Most abundant in water 2–8 feet deep over dense seagrass beds; large "gator trout" tend to inhabit deeper grass flats and dock structure, particularly during cold months.

Diet

Shrimp and small fish (pinfish, pigfish, mullet) over grass flats; large seatrout are predominantly piscivorous and key on mullet, menhaden, and other large baitfish. Topwater lures worked slowly over grass flats at dawn are among the most thrilling presentations for this species.

Fishing Techniques

• Topwater plugs like MirrOlure
• Soft plastic jerkbait under a popping cork
• Suspending hard lures like MirrOdine
• Live shrimp on a jighead
• Fly fishing with Deceiver patterns

Best Seasons

Fall, Spring, Summer

Size & Records

Average weight: 2 lbs. World record: 17.7 lbs (Mason's Beach, Virginia, USA (1977)).