LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Speckled Trout can be found in the North East of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They are typically found in inshore waters and are known to migrate long distances.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Speckled Trout are typically found in brackish or freshwater estuaries, bays, and marshes.

• They are often found around natural structures such as oyster beds, jetties, and mangroves.

• They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as docks, bridges, and piers. ​

PATTERNS

SPRING

• Migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south.

SUMMER

• Typically found in the shallower coastal waters of the North East of the US as the waters are at their warmest and the fish are abundant.

FALL

• During the fall, Speckled Trout can still be caught in the North East of the US waters as they migrate southwards. As the waters start to cool down, Speckled Trout may be found in deeper waters.

WINTER

• Typically not as abundant in the North East.

Baits

• Menhaden, Soft Crab, Spot, Clam,

Techniques

Bait Fishing

• How: Use live or dead bait and fish in areas with seagrass beds, oyster bars, or drop-offs. Cast out and let the bait sit, or use a slow retrieve. Speckled trout can be finicky eaters, so try different baits until you find what they are biting.

• Gear: Rods: Light to medium spinning rods. Reels: 2000-3000 size spinning reels. Line: 8-10lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Hooks: Size 1-2 live bait hooks, or circle hooks when using live bait to reduce the risk of gut hooking.

Artificial Lures

• How: Speckled trout are attracted to a variety of lures including soft plastics, topwater lures, and suspending lures. Fish around seagrass beds, oyster bars, or other structure. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: 3000-4000 size spinning reels. Line: 10-12lb test braided line or fluorocarbon leader. Lures: Soft plastics, topwater lures, suspending lures, and jigs.

Fly Fishing

• How: Speckled trout can be caught on a variety of fly patterns, including shrimp, crab, and baitfish imitations. Fish around seagrass beds, oyster bars, or other structure. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.

• Gear: Rods: 6-8 wt fly rod. Reels: Reel to match size fly rod. Line: Floating/Sinking/Intermediate depending on situations. Leaders: 9-12ft 10-15lb fluorocarbon leaders with tippet sizes ranging from 2-6lb. Flies: Clouser Minnows, shrimp patterns, and baitfish imitations.

Surf Fishing:

• How: Look for troughs, sandbars, and other structure near shore. Cast out with bait or lures and let it drift with the current. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy surf rods. Reels: 5000-6000 size spinning reels. Line: 15-20lb test braided line or fluorocarbon leader. Hooks: Size 1-2 live bait hooks, or circle hooks when using live bait to reduce the risk of gut hooking.