Spotted Seatrout Facts

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout are commonly called speckled trout. They are caught in coastal waters, where they roam in large schools in open water and inland around bridges and inlets. The spotted seatrout, commonly known as the speckled trout, is distinguished by small spots arranged in oblique rows along the upper sides and back and by the presence of large canine teeth.

Latest Spotted Seatrout Tips

Bennett Marine: Watch this video to learn about how to catch speckled trout, a coveted inshore species valued for their fight and food value.

Bennett Marine: Speckled trout is a fun, sporting species to catch in the Gulf of Mexico and up the coast of Florida. Watch this video to learn more about speckled trout.

Bennett Marine: Speckled trout is a coveted game fish for inshore fishing. Watch this video to learn more about catching speckled trout.

Bennett Marine: The spotted sea trout, or speckled trout, is a mainstay species of inshore saltwater anglers. Watch this video to find out more about the coveted gamefish.

June is the peak month for big spotted seatrout to congregate in shallow water, and you regularly will catch 7- to 9-pound specks then in the Gulf of Mexico. On some days, you only may catch one trout this size, and on other days, you may catch three or four trout.

Your best chance for landing a monster-sized spotted seatrout is fishing with big baits early in the morning on a slick, calm day. Fish top-water lures early in the morning, and then switch to grubs, spinners and soft plastics later in the day.

Speckled trout are usually caught in waters less than 5 feet deep. Anglers targeting structure in shallow-water areas catch the most fish. Anglers fishing from ocean piers should look for specks in the shallow surf zone, but they should keep in mind that some fish will be attracted to the pilings. Specks can also be caught from the beach. Casting lures and baits to troughs that run parallel to the beach during low tide or to the outlying sandbars is a good way to catch ocean specks. Beach areas with rocks, pilings, rubble, clay outcrops or steep washouts are good places for isolating specks.