Is there a light tackle game fish that’s more beloved than the Speckled Trout? We think not. Also known as the Spotted Seatrout, this species actually isn’t the most ferocious fish you’ll find at the end of a line. So why has Speckled Trout fishing stood the test of time as a firm angler’s favorite?
Fishing for Speckled Trout has earned a reputation as the go-to family-friendly angling adventure. What better way to introduce your little ones to fishing than with a species that’s plentiful, bites almost anything, and will reward you with a tasty dinner? And for those of you that love going after trophy fish, there’s also good news – Specks can grow up to 18 pounds. Catches above 6 pounds are called “Gator” Trout.
Before you start packing your gear, you probably want to know a little bit about where, how, and when you can hook this fish. Let’s dive in…
How to Fish for Speckled Trout
When it comes to reeling in Speckled Trout, there’s one way of casting a line that’s become synonymous with this species: light tackle fishing. These opportunistic feeders aren’t picky, but they can be finicky about the quality and temperature of the water. Let’s talk about their favorite hangouts and favorable fishing conditions.
- Grass flats: Shallow flats (2–4 inches of water) are the most popular and productive Speck fishing spots. Trout follow bait fish, shrimp, and small crabs, which hide out in the grass flats. Specks shadow their prey constantly and they move around a lot, so you should change your spot often until you get a bite.
- Oyster bars: You already know that Speckled Trout love clean water, and that’s exactly what they get around oyster bars. These also attract bait fish, which makes them one of Trout’s favorite haunts.
- Jetties and inlets: Wherever you find jetties and inlets, you’ll find plenty of moving water. These spots attract mullet, spot, and croaker – and Specks know it. Whenever there’s an incoming or outgoing tide, you’ll find Trout around jetties, feasting, and that’s where you should be too.
- Birds: Another dead giveaway that there are Trout feeding nearby is the presence of birds on the water. Pelicans and cormorants will cruise above the water’s surface, going up and down in search of fish. These beautiful birds are a strong indicator that there are Specks around, especially in the summer.
- Water depth: Speckled Trout thrive in waters that are anywhere from 2–15 inches deep. They’re cold-blooded and dependant on the sun to keep them warm (hence that dark line on their backs to attract sunlight), so shallow waters are their refuge of choice. That doesn’t mean you can’t find them in deeper sections of the water column. Sometimes they hunt in depths of 20–50 feet.
Speckled Trout Fishing Seasons
Specks usually move seasonally within specific bay systems. They make the pilgrimage from marshy waters to river mouths and open coastal waters depending on factors such as water temperature and when they spawn. As both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts boast complex marshes and bay systems, Specks can be found dispersed all across the region year-round.
Spring
As the water warms up (55–62ºF), Specks wake from their winter slumber. This is when they start preparing for spawning by gorging on bait fish. Big Trout head towards saltier water outside of the marshes. Coastal waters all along the Atlantic and Gulf are prime spring fishing spots. And when the water in the ocean hits 55ºF, Gator Trout will be running the beaches on their way to spawning grounds.
Summer
There are two important rules to keep in mind when fishing for Speckled Trout, especially in the summer. Specks need comfortable water temperatures (60–70ºF) to be active, and they follow bait fish religiously. They’ll be congregating in sounds and bays and wherever they can “bottleneck” the bait and feed freely. Creek mouths, drop-off, and grass flats can all offer a strong Trout bite in the summer. Early morning and late evening are prime fishing times.
Fall
Fall is generally considered to be the best time to go fishing for Specks. It’s when they return to the marshes to gorge on bait fish. They start to move back in September and feed on mullet around inlets, jetties, and beaches. This time of year, the optimal water temperature for Trout is 68–72ºF. November and December in particular offer fantastic Speckled Trout fishing.
Winter
The majority of Specks inhabiting waters north of Virginia migrate south for the winter. This means that North Carolina in particular is bustling with these fish during the colder months. You’ll find Specks congregating in creeks and coastal rivers, with deep water ledges in the main bodies of rivers being especially productive. They also hole up in river bends, searching for warmer waters and bait fish, as well as the Gulf Coast’s many marshes.
Tackle for Speckled Trout Fishing
The Speckled Trout is a greedy, greedy fish, and will chow down on almost any type of bait you present to it. When it comes to the tackle and full setup for your Speckled Trout fishing adventure, it’s pretty simple.
- Rods: A 7’ medium to light action rod is generally something that’s in every angler’s gearbox, and it will serve nicely for Trout fishing. You want to feel the bite well and be able to battle the fish without any fear of your gear failing, so a basic 7’ medium action rod will do the trick nicely.
- Reels: You’ll want a fast action spinning or baitcasting reel that will allow you to work that line quickly. If you’re a beginner, we’d recommend a spinning reel, to make things as straightforward as possible.
- Line: To get that Trout hooked and make sure it stays on the line, use a monofilament line anywhere between the 10–20 lb mark, and a popping cork rig between 2 and 6 inches that you can tie on your setup.
- Leader: The size od the leader line can vary depending on what kind of rig you’re using, but in general, a 1.5–3’ leader is what you need.
What kind of lures do Speckled Trout like?
Now that you know what tackle to use, let’s talk about lures and rigs in more detail. Speckled Trout fishing rigs are usually very simple to set up, so even if you’re a beginner, it shouldn’t be too hard to make it work. Let’s go through the most popular lures for Specks.
Jigheads
Jigheads are by far the favorite lure of Trout fishermen. They’re as versatile as they are productive, and they can be used all year. Out of them all, ⅜ jigheads are most commonly used in deeper waters (8–20 feet) and in the surf. When you’re fishing shallow creeks (up to 10 feet) ¼ jigheads work better, especially when you work them on the bottom. Use a ⅛ jighead in shallow waters (up to 5 feet) and in the winter, when the fish are lethargic. They have a slower fall rate, so it gives Trout plenty of time to snatch them. One of the best Speckled Trout fishing rigs is a jighead with a soft plastic.
Popping Corks
Another classic, popping corks are the go-to tools of beginners. However, they’re not limited to novices only. Trout feed based on their sight and vibration, which is why corks are a lot of fun to use. They work great over jetty rocks, oyster beds, and on the flats, because the cork keeps the lure suspended and away from submerged grass and rocks. They create a lot of noise and imitate the movement of bait fish and Specks can’t resist them. Rig a popping cork with shrimp and wait for the explosion of a bite that a Trout will bring down on your setup.
Hard Plastics
Another very popular choice among seasoned anglers are hard plastics. This is particularly relevant if you’re going after trophy specimens. Gator Trout love hard plastics, the bigger, the better. The all-time favorite hard plastic is Mirrolure, that’s good to use all year and in all kinds of settings, be it on the flats or when kayak fishing.
Topwater Lures
During spring and fall, you can’t go wrong with topwater lures. This is when Specks feed close to the surface, and sight fishing with a well-presented topwater lure is all it takes to get something good on the line. The most productive lures range from 3–6 inches and usually look similar to Specks’ prey.
Live Bait
Although lures are wildly popular in the Speck fishing community, live bait has its spot as well. They can work wonders under a popping cork, especially live shrimp, which are the go-to option for Gator Trout. You can also use pinfish, minnows, mullet, menhaden, and small crabs with excellent results. As long as it’s something that Trout like to eat and it’s presented close to your prey, live bait can be a great choice for your fishing rig.
Where is the best Speckled Trout fishing?
The Speckled Trout’s ability to survive in waters both salty and brackish means they can be found in a whopping variety of locations across the USA. You’ll find some of the best Speckled Trout fishing in the waters of North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Why? These locations boast a lot of shallow bays, marshes, estuaries packed with oyster beds, and seagrass-filled spots. Below, we’ve highlighted our favorite locations.
Florida’s Atlantic Coast
- Mosquito Lagoon: Located along Florida’s east coast in Brevard and Volusia counties. This waterway is world-famous for its number of Specks (locally known as Spotted Seatrout). If you’re looking for a Gator, this is the place to come!
- Indian River: Mosquito Lagoon is part of the mighty Indian River Lagoon System. We heartily recommend checking out the Indian River itself, too! Lined with mangroves, grass flats, and underwater structure, this waterway is the perfect habitat for Specks.
- Jacksonville: This city is perfectly positioned at the point where the St. Johns River feeds into the Atlantic. What does this mean? Plenty of huge Speckled Trout! You don’t have to travel far to explore these brackish waters, either.
Florida’s Gulf Coast
- St Petersburg: Florida’s “Sunshine City” is home to a seriously healthy Speckled Trout population. Head to the waters around the flats off Pinellas Point and out to Fort de Soto for the best bite! Nearby Tampa Bay also holds a strong population of these fish.
- The Everglades: This vast marshland boasts the Speckled Trout’s dream habitat: plenty of mangroves, shallow water flats, and channels. Head to the Everglades National Park or nearby Ten Thousand Islands. You’ll find plenty of Specks to cast a line for.
- Pensacola: Located at the western end of the Panhandle, this city is home to plenty of grassy flats and sheltered bays. Because of this, Speckled Trout flock here! A couple of hours out on the water is plenty of time to fill your boat with Gator Trout.
North Carolina
- Wilmington: Want to target Trout in the winter months? North Carolina is the place to visit – and Wilmington is probably the best city. This fishery is especially active from October through December and has a whole host of hot spots to explore. The inlet right out of Wilmington is especially productive, as well as Wrightsville Beach.
- Morehead City: A mere ten minutes north of this city, you’ll find the Speckled Trout-packed Newport Marshes. You can also explore a variety of creeks, such as Broad Creek, as well as The Haystacks. This is a small hamlet that provides access to fish-filled shallow waters. There’s also a whopping number of charter boats to choose from in this area.
- Myrtle Beach: This city is surrounded by a seemingly endless collection of bays, sounds, and inlets. Come summertime, they’re all jam-packed with healthy Speckled Trout populations. You can also use Myrtle Beach as a starting point and head to Speck-filled locales close by, such as Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Winyah Bay, and Cape Romain.
Texas
- Galveston Bay: This bay system is a “must-visit” location for any Speckled Trout enthusiasts. Its waters are a unique blend of fresh and saltwater, which makes it a great habitat for a variety of marine life, especially Specks. It’s also seriously huge, which means you have plenty of hotspots to discover. To narrow it down a little, Texas City, Baytown, and Houston are especially productive departure points.
- South Padre Island: If you’re looking to experience some of the best coastal fishing around, make the trip to South Padre Island. When fall hits this area, so do plenty of Speckled Trout! You’ll have direct access to the productive Laguna Madre, which sees Specks inhabiting its waters year-round.
- Port Arthur: On the hunt for Gator Trout? Head to this city, and you’ll have access to the lower section of the Sabine River, the Neches River, and Sabine Lake. Every one of these fisheries boasts a thriving Speckled Trout population. Even better, it’s common to encounter varieties in the 20+ pound range!
Speckled Trout Fishing: An Adventure for All Anglers
You don’t need to be a tournament-level fishing expert to battle this beloved species, but even the most experienced anglers will find plenty to love about a Speck fishing adventure. And if you’re looking for tasty table fare? Filling the cooler has never been so fun. Grab your rods and reels – it’s time to come face-to-gills with America’s favorite light tackle game fish!
If you need more information on Trout varieties, hotspots, and fishing techniques, check out our Trout Fishing Guide.
Have you been Speckled Trout fishing? Where did you go? Any tips and tricks you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments. We love hearing from you!
