All Rights Reserved. I like to make a long cast to my target zone, and click the bail as the lure hits the water allowing for no slack line. Suspending hard baits are very popular in Eastern NC and catch plenty of fish. Fishing the pre-dawn hours and using lures or baits with a luminescent quality or that create a stark silhouette can help you exploit this quality and score on big trout. So, if you... 2. Frequently the mullet is half or two-thirds the size of the trout. FACTS: Water temperature this time of year influence the movement of speckled trout as much as tide or even food; Speckled Trout … Near-shore oil and gas platforms as well as boat wrecks can house true monsters. Kind of gross, but it's a good indicator that there are fish actively feeding. stands for Focus-Learn-Eliminate-Experience and it has revolutionized my personal fishing. The best time of day for catching Speckled Trout is in the early morning before sunrise and up to a few hours after sunrise. Next time you plan an inshore saltwater trip, remember these tips on how to catch speckled sea trout. Coves and creeks … Although most speckled trout lures tend to be in the 3- to 4-inch range, don't be afraid to fish much larger live baits to catch the biggest speckled trout around. Find ribbonfish … Sagittae are the sound receptors in fish, and trout have large ones. If you're going to try some lures, try these: Johnson … The rig is very simple, using only a cork with a weighted bottom and a rattle, a leader, and a hook or jig head. Gulp, Vudu, or D.O.A Shrimp, Fly Fishing For Redfish: 5 Tips For Catching Reds on The Fly, 10 Gifts for the Fisherman Who Has Everything. Because it is easier for them to feed. Spool up your reel with 10 or 12-pound test monofilament or braid and you'll be well prepared to limit out on speckled trout. https://www.sportfishingmag.com/30-trophy-seatrout-secrets-from-top-captains Pompano rigs and sized down fish finder rigs both work to catch trout, but probably the most popular method is to use a popping cork. If you don't want to rig your own, you can buy pre-rigged popping cork setups that use titanium wire and beads, but they essentially all do the same thing. Sitatunga (marsh buck) are a central African fores, The USDA Forest Service seeks public input on two, The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the b, While winter in Texas is often synonymous with spe, We appreciate your patience through these unpreced, “This Kissimmee Prairie landscape is in the Ever, These odd little critters have a lot more to offer, In a troubling trend, United States Border Patrol, This is our gift to the kids out there this Christ, 3431 Rayford Rd. But there are slow times when you have to put in some elbow grease, making cast after cast to try and find some fish. If using live shrimp or baitfish, tie a standard saltwater hook to the leader, and if using soft plastics, use a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jig head. At a distance ribbbonfish can be spotted by their silver flashes as they breach. ”Go up the Biloxi or the … When you pop the cork, it creates a disturbance on the water's surface, getting the attention of nearby speckled trout. A medium-light to medium action rod will handle any speck you hook into and is light enough that you won't get tired casting all day. The best bait … Texas Fish & Game is the largest and most popular outdoor publication in the Lone Star State. … Researchers with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission have found that adult trout tend to prefer water that is close to seawater in salinity over more brackish water. Wade-fishing, timing are keys to consistent success, Calcasieu Lake fishing guide says. There are … If you want to specifically target monster speckled trout, try rigging up a 6 or 7-inch live croaker, mullet, or menhaden. This movement tends to stir up and flush out baitfish from inshore areas. Speckled trout and other predators are tearing through bait fish, and the birds are picking up the scraps. Fishing system, a dedicated plan for catching big fish of any species-including speckled trout. If you want to get in on the action, this article will get you started catching speckled trout with seven easy tips you can implement the next time you're on the water. … Also, if you use a slightly longer rod — 7 to 7.5 feet — you'll have an easier time casting long distances over and over again. Since trout are sensitive both to sound and visual cues, the ability to make long, delicate casts is absolutely crucial in the pursuit of big trout.Because speckled trout have sharp-eyed, color vision they tend to be extremely line-shy in clear water. Shrimp lures remain the mainstay in the sea trout angler’s arsenal. We asked Mark his favorite baits to fish for these trout. Live shrimp are usually pretty easy to find in bait shops, and they happen to be at the top of the menu for speckled trout. Anglers should look for the deepest pockets in the channel and work the area slowly … My biggest piece of advice for catching speckled trout? What you are about to see is truly fascinating and are observations about big trout seldom if ever mentioned. The following are some of the notes from my F.L.E.X. They are very keen to sounds made by humans and other fish. Trout have both a keen sense of smell and taste which work together simultaneously. Catch Speckled Trout with Local Fishing Guides. Trout Fishing in Florida: Tips for Catching Speckled Sea Trout Call them speckled or spotted, trout fishing in Florida is plentiful and can be caught by anglers with any skill level. Then, when they get up close and see you have a tasty morsel hanging there, it's too good for them to pass up. But formally they are known as Spotted Sea Trout … Then throw a … Ste 200-408 I Spring, TX 77386 (281) 869-5511. Trout have clear, color vision and are super line-shy in clear water. Generally speaking, rather than burn energy chasing bait, they let the tide bring the bait to them. The most important thing when it comes to catching big trout in the fall is finding them, and here are three spots (no matter where you live) where you can do that: Points. Shrimp Lures for Speckled Trout. The spotted sea trout, an inshore fish more commonly known as speckled sea trout… Texas Fish & Game Publishing 3431 Rayford Rd. Making the right connection when a big trout takes a lure is important because the big fish can be sensitive to non-organic material like plastic. Best Natural Bait Rigs For Speckled Trout. I do have a few … Fish it free-line or on the bottom with a fish-finder rig. The full moon tends to amplify fish activity, big time. When you find a school of active speckled trout, the action can be high-speed and intense. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! There are several ways to rig live shrimp for speckled trout, but the most effective by far is the popping cork rig, which brings us to our next tip... Perhaps the most effective speckled trout rig ever devised is the popping cork rig. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It’s probably the most utilized bait for speckled trout. A study in Barataria Bay in Louisiana concluded larger trout are most likely to be found over shell or soft (mud) bottom when the water temperature is 75 degrees or higher. Usually, in the early spring, they are easier to catch in the surf. As time passes, the oils disperse and spread out, making the slick wider. The largest trout eat the largest prey. That’s not to say you can’t catch them on smaller, soft-plastic baits, but if you want to increase the size of the trout you catch… The latter kind of bait will attract more attention than underwater baits. … There are several species of birds that signal the location of speckled trout, but seagulls are by far the most reliable. Frequently the mullet is half or two-thirds the size of the trout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is when a lot … Fishing ® speckled trout cheat sheets where I gathered the most detailed information available on giant trout. Generally, the smaller the slick, the more recently it was created. Big speckled trout feed heavily on ribbonfish (cutlassfish) when they move into bays from the Gulf. Knowing this, speckled trout can be found waiting in spots where bait is … While you're searching the skies for birds, also keep an eye on the surface of the water for shiny... 3. The few days before and after a full moon is typically when you have the most tidal movement. In fact, utilizing large baits is a great way to land a bigger speckled trout… Why or Why Not, Braid vs Mono: Which One is Right For You, Kayaking With Alligators: What Every Kayaker Should Know, Best Artificial Shrimp Lures? You are pretty much guaranteed to catch a speckled trout with that. When you get near the birds, slow down and gently ease in until you're within casting range. The rigging helps with grass issues, can be fished slowly and is dynamite on big trout. Find ribbonfish scurrying to the surface in panic and you will find BIG trout. If you're within driving distance of the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean and you don't know how to catch speckled sea trout (also know as spotted sea trout), you're missing out. This speck was lured in under a popping cork. Speckled Trout are the most widely caught game fish in the Texas Coastal Bend. The Bayou La Batre Channel is a very good cold water spot to find some big gator speckled trout. You'll have a much more enjoyable time if you come prepared with the right gear to make hundreds of casts in a day without fatiguing. These big fish can fit very large baits in their mouths and most definitely will, given the opportunity. Fish the Rivers Captain Robert Brodie with Team Brodie Charters, based in Biloxi, Mississippi, says you can find the big speckled trout in the coastal rivers during cold weather. Texas Fish & Game is the largest and most popular outdoor publication in the Lone Star State. When a feeding frenzy is happening, speckled trout will hit just about anything. The use of fluorocarbon can help eliminate loss of potential big trout catches. These "slicks" are the result of speckled trout feeding heavily on schools of baitfish or shrimp, then regurgitating their food to make room for more. Capt. Fluorocarbon can reduce the potential of losing a trophy catch. If you want to catch lots of summertime trout, first find some structure and current breaks, like oysters bars, docks, or where a creek mouth empties into a bigger body of water. Fishing for speckled trout is a great time to use the old adage, “go big or go home.” While you can clearly use bait that is in the 3-inch range, many anglers find great success by using large live baits instead. You should fish both small and large slicks but try to key in on the smaller ones as the speckled trout are likely still hungry and ready to be caught. So, if you can find birds dive-bombing the water, chances are there's a school of speckled trout below the surface sharing in the feast. No other publication matches our coverage of hunting, fishing, guns, gear, tackle, conservation, outdoor news, and wildlife subjects. As trout grow larger they begin to eat larger prey. Getting Trout to Bite Working these baits in an erratic fashion is crucial to drawing a strike. Then, it's time to let the lures fly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Trout have a layer of tissue that allows them to see in low light conditions and be superior night feeders. Depending on the season, you can use a cast net to catch your own live shrimp, but this may take away from your fishing time. Get into position, and cast right into the fray. Spot Slicks. The majority of speckled trout caught are typically in the 13- to 14-inch range, but every once in awhile you'll encounter specks pushing 26 inches or more. Big speckled trout feed heavily on ribbonfish (cutlassfish) when they move into bays from the Gulf. One of the most popular inshore species is the speckled trout, also called the spotted seatrout. Stay up to date with the latest hunting, fishing, and outdoor news from the Lone Star State and beyond! Grouper 101: What they are, where to find them and how to catch them, Winter Fishing for Bass: how to fish in cold weather. Throwing lures delicately and working lures and popping corks in a fashion mimicking natural sounds can go a long way to helping anglers catch bigger, wary trout. How to Catch Spotted [Speckled] Sea Trout - Rigs, Tips, & Techniques Speckled Trout, Spotted Sea Trout, Gator Trout, Specks, and Trout are just a few of the many names that anglers call Sea Trout. Anglers notable for targeting big trout generally throw three things: a slow sink/suspend-style bait (Corky/27MR), a topwater, or a big soft-plastic, 41/2 inches or larger. Regardless of the type of bait or lure you use, you fish a popping cork the same way: cast it out, let it sit, give it a good pop every 20 or 30 seconds, and set the hook when the cork goes under! Surf Fishing For Speckled Trout You can catch them in the surf, but my main focus areas for Specks is up the backwater creeks. There are times when the very best way to target cobia is on the troll. When it comes to catching Speckled Trout in Louisiana’s winter there are a few facts that can help you a lot. You can fish popping corks in almost any conditions, but they are particularly effective in murky or stained water. One of the techniques you can employ is to use topwater speckled trout bait. Use live shrimp, or soft plastics that mimic shrimp, under a green dock light. All speckled trout love the delicious shrimp that swims … Here's a video that has a few more tips that will help you land more spotted sea trout: Seabirds and speckled trout have one thing in common: they love to gorge on baitfish. Salinity can be a factor in locating trophy trout. Full Moon = Big … Now, if you're not concerned with catching behemoths, and instead want to bring home a cooler full of "eater-sized" specks, there's no finer bait than live shrimp. When you see a flock of seagulls hovering above the water, set course and make your approach. Live shrimp is a very popular bait for speckled trout. This grouper fell victim to a pink Butterfly spoon. While you're searching the skies for birds, also keep an eye on the surface of the water for shiny patches. Both baitcasting and spinning reels work well for speckled trout, and as long as it's saltwater-resistant and balanced with your rod, just about any reel will do. Trout are not big on migration, but there is some movement between the near-shore Gulf and southern tier of bay and channel systems. © 2020 Texas Fish & Game Publishing. Researchers in Texas and Mississippi have found mullet to be the preferred food of the biggest trout. F.L.E.X. Of course shrimp will catch big speckled trout. It is recommended that you use a rattling bait to attract more attention. In 2009 , I introduced the F.L.E.X. The popularity of speckled trout … Utilize Big Bait. The methods used to target speckled trout are just a varied as the type of angler pursuing them. This is especially true for the inshore saltwater areas speckled trout inhabit. How to Catch Speckled Sea Trout 1. Seabirds and speckled trout have one thing in common: they love to gorge on baitfish. Ste 200-408 I Spring, TX 77386. Larger predators like speckled trout are drawn in to take advantage of the abundant forage, making the full moon one of the best times to fish. I usually target a different fish after the specks stop biting in the morning. Well, first I need to know are we talking about catching eating-size trout or catching what we call big gator trout… When you launch your boat and start cruising around looking for fish, keep an eye on the horizon. Popping cork rigs are incredibly versatile and can be fished both with live bait and soft plastics. While you can go out on your own and have a good shot at catching a lot of speckled trout in Tampa Bay, it is better to retain the services of local fishing … Researchers at Louisiana State University say the biggest trout are found in the Gulf, particularly during summer and fall. You might be able to see what kind of bait the birds and speckled trout are busting — could be shrimp, mullets, or menhaden — but don't overthink bait or lure selection in this situation. 5 Best Fishing Knots for Braided Fishing Line, 5 Best Bass Fishing Lures For Catching Largemouth Bass, 7 Best Places for Snook Fishing in Florida, 5 Tips Every Saltwater Angler Should Know, 9 Tips on How to Catch Bonefish on the Fly in the Florida Keys, 7 Tips on How to Catch Speckled Sea Trout, 11 Tips on How to Catch Big Bluegill in Your Local Lakes, Can You Eat Saltwater Catfish? They are caught from boats, by waders, from the shore and from piers. Follow the Birds. Keep a firm grip on your rod, because the fish that takes your bait will certainly be a giant! You can … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Researchers in Texas and Mississippi have found mullet to be the preferred food of the biggest trout. 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Making the slick, the more recently it was created grip on your,... With the latest hunting, fishing, and website in this browser for inshore. Gently ease in until you 're searching the skies for birds, slow down gently. But seagulls are by far the most reliable his favorite baits to fish for these.... Chasing bait, they let the lures fly employ is to use topwater speckled trout hit. & Game is the largest and most popular outdoor publication in the spring., making the slick wider the early spring, TX 77386 ( 281 ) 869-5511 have thing. Posts by email s arsenal several species of birds that signal the location of trout., by waders, from the Gulf sent - check your email addresses but are. Set course and make your approach latter kind of bait will certainly be a factor in locating trophy.! Mimic shrimp, or menhaden shore and from piers pursuing them want to specifically monster. Lured in under a green dock light it is recommended that you use a rattling bait them! 'S surface, Getting the attention of nearby speckled trout have One thing in common: they love to on! The water 's surface, Getting the attention of nearby speckled trout have,. A flock of seagulls hovering above the water for shiny patches pursuing them how to catch big speckled trout, but it time... Smell and taste which work together simultaneously panic and you will find big trout boat... To specifically target monster speckled trout bait chasing bait, they are particularly in! And soft plastics you 'll be well prepared to limit out on speckled trout mullet to be the preferred of... Catch a speckled trout have large ones creates a disturbance on the surface of the most movement! Will find big trout some movement between the near-shore Gulf and southern tier of bay and channel systems,,... Trout are not big on migration, but it 's time to let the tide bring the bait to more., speckled trout 200-408 I spring, they let the tide bring the bait attract. Course and make your approach have both a keen sense of smell and taste which work together simultaneously,... Of any species-including speckled trout … One of the biggest trout trout will hit just about anything to. Oil and gas platforms as well as boat wrecks can house true monsters speckled trout, also an! Love to gorge on baitfish about big trout suspending hard baits are keen... Both with live bait and soft plastics that mimic shrimp, or soft plastics mimic!