spotted-seatrout
Species Facts

Science Name: Cynoscion nebulosus
Other Names: Speckled Trout
Ideal Temp: 55 to 80
World Record: 17 lbs. 7 oz, Fl.
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: light tackle, castting, fly
Description

The fish is a member of the croaker family (Sciaenidae)and is a first cousin to the Atlantic croaker, red drum, black drum, and sand seatrout. Its abundance, willingness to hit natural and artificial baits, and fine eating qualities make the species extremely popular with rod and reel anglers.

The spotted seatrout has an elongated body with a slightly more regular and even tail fin, with a black margin, than that of sand or silver seatrout. Its coloring is dark gray or green on the back, with sky-blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; the dorsal fins are gray green, and many round black spots speckle the back, tail, and dorsal fins. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, which has one or two prominent canine teeth. There are no barbels, and the interior of the mouth is orange. Very young fish have a broad, dark lateral band. The presence of spots on the fins can distinguish the spotted seatrout from other seatrout.

Sexual maturity is reached at two years of age and eggs number from 100,000 in small fish to more than one million in large females. Spawning occurs inside the bays near grass beds where the newly hatched young find food and shelter. Recent findings show that fish spawn sometime between dusk and dawn. Spotted seatrout have a protracted spring and summer spawning period which peaks during May-July. Two, three, and four-year-old fish make up the bulk of the spawning population.

Any light to medium action rod and reel combination is appropriate since most spotted seatrout caught are in the 2-3 pound range. Equipment designed for use in salt water is essential because of the corrosive nature of sea water. The most popular terminal tackle for spotted seatrout is the popping cork rig. Best results are achieved by popping the cork periodically to simulate live action. By varying the retrieve, frequency of popping, and the depth of bait, the best action for the catching trout can be found. The best bait for catching trout is live shrimp. Live fish such as mullet or pinfish and dead shrimp can also be effective.

Where to Find
It occurs in the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Massachusetts to the Yucatan peninsula.

Habitat
Spotted seatrout are generally nonmigratory with little inter-bay movement, and most movement seems to be in response to water temperature and spawning. They are most common in the shallow bays during spring and summer. As water temperatures decline during fall, fish move into deeper bay waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The number of fish entering the Gulf varies from year to year depending on the severity of the winter. As water temperatures warm in the spring the fish move back into the shallows of the primary and secondary bays. During periods of low rainfall and runoff, many trout often move into deeper rivers and bayous with the first cool weather of fall. Similar concentrations occur at dredged boat harbors and channels.

Feeding Habits
Spotted seatrout are opportunistic carnivores whose feeding habits vary with size. Small trout feed primarily on small crustaceans. Medium-size trout feed on shrimp and small fish. Large fish feed almost exclusively on other fish such as mullet, pinfish, pigfish and menhaden. This preference for large fish makes large trout difficult to catch.

World Record
17 lbs. out of Florida