Spotted Seatrout Fishing

Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), commonly called speckled trout or simply 'specks,' are the most widely targeted inshore species across the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic. Found in bays, estuaries, grass flats, and marshes from the Chesapeake Bay to Texas, spotted seatrout are abundant, cooperative, and excellent eating. Their silver body covered in black spots makes them easily identifiable.

Speckled trout are structure-oriented fish that relate to grass beds, oyster reefs, sand bars, and drop-offs. They feed on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish, and are particularly active during early morning, late evening, and on overcast days. One of the best things about trout fishing is that they respond well to both live bait and artificial lures -- soft plastic jigs on jigheads, topwater plugs, and suspending twitchbaits are all effective year-round.

The Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida's Big Bend offers arguably the best speckled trout fishing in the world. Louisiana's vast marsh systems produce enormous numbers of fish, including trophy 'gator trout' exceeding 7 pounds. During cooler months, trout concentrate in deeper holes and channels, making them easier to locate. In warmer months, they spread across the shallow flats to feed. Spotted seatrout are delicious -- their white, flaky meat is mild and is excellent fried, broiled, or blackened.