Speckled Trout

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, can be found in a variety of bodies of water along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the South/Gulf region. They inhabit estuaries, bays, lagoons, and nearshore areas, where they take advantage of abundant food sources and favorable water conditions. The following bodies of water are known for their productive speckled trout fisheries:
Alabama: Mobile Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Perdido Bay.
Louisiana: Gulf of Mexico, Calcasieu Lake, Barataria Bay, Lake Pontchartrain.
Mississippi: Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Bay.
Texas: Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, Laguna Madre.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Speckled trout are commonly found near a variety of structures and habitats that provide them with shelter and access to food. They seek areas with a mix of seagrass beds, oyster reefs, marshes, and channels. Speckled trout are known to congregate near submerged vegetation, docks, pilings, and jetties. They also frequent deeper channels and drop-offs during tidal movements.
Look for speckled trout in areas with clear water and good water quality. They often feed on shrimp, mullet, and small baitfish, so areas with abundant baitfish populations are productive for targeting them. Speckled trout can be found near the surface or at various depths depending on feeding patterns and environmental conditions.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, speckled trout become more active as water temperatures rise. They move into shallower waters, especially around seagrass beds, oyster bars, and nearshore structures. Look for signs of feeding activity, such as baitfish schools or diving birds, as these indicate the presence of speckled trout. Using live bait, such as shrimp or small baitfish, can be effective in enticing strikes during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer, speckled trout tend to move to deeper waters and seek cooler areas. They can be found along channels, drop-offs, and around structure-rich areas. Early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive times to target speckled trout during the summer. Artificial lures such as soft plastic jerkbaits, paddle-tail swimbaits, and topwater plugs can be effective in imitating baitfish and enticing strikes.

FALL

As fall arrives, speckled trout remain active and continue to provide exciting fishing opportunities. They may move closer to shore and concentrate around marshes, grass flats, and channels. Look for areas with baitfish activity, such as jumping mullet or diving birds, as these are indicators of feeding speckled trout. Live shrimp, finger mullet, or artificial lures like spoons, jigs, and suspending twitch baits can be productive when targeting speckled trout during the fall.

WINTER

During the winter months, speckled trout may seek warmer waters, such as deeper channels or areas near power plants where water temperatures are more stable. They can be less active during this time but can still be caught. Slow-moving artificial lures such as soft plastic paddle-tail baits or suspending plugs can entice strikes from speckled trout. Pay attention to weather conditions and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly.

Speckled trout are opportunistic feeders and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Live bait options for speckled trout include shrimp, finger mullet, pilchards, or small pinfish. These can be fished under a popping cork or freely drifted using a Carolina rig or a simple hook and split shot setup.
When it comes to lures, speckled trout are known to respond well to artificial presentations that mimic their natural prey. Soft plastic baits, such as shrimp imitations, paddle-tail grubs, and jerkbaits, are popular choices among anglers. These can be rigged on a jig head or used with weighted hooks to achieve the desired depth. Additionally, suspending twitch baits, topwater plugs, and spoons can be effective in enticing aggressive strikes from speckled trout, particularly during feeding frenzies or when targeting larger specimens.

Casting and Retrieving
- How: Cast and retrieve a variety of lures that imitate baitfish, shrimp, or other prey items. Speckled Trout are known to inhabit areas near grass beds, oyster bars, and mangroves, so focus your casts in these areas. Use a slow and steady retrieve with occasional pauses to entice strikes.
- Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: Size 2000-3000 spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 8-12lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Lures: Soft plastic jerkbaits, paddle tails, shrimp imitations, topwater lures, or suspending plugs.