Spotted Seatrout

• Description
  • Dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below.
  • Numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail.
  • No barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin.
  • One or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.
  
  

  ---

  
  
• General Information
  • Spotted seatrout matures during first or second year and spawns INSHORE from March through November.
  • They prefer water temperatures between 58 and 81 degrees F and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years.
  
  

  ---

  
  
• Distribution
  • Spotted seatrouts are found inshore and/or nearshore over grass, sand and sandy bottoms.
  • They move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather.
  • Trout are found throughout the state except they become scarce from Lake Worth to Miami and in the lower Florida Keys. A lack of estuarine habitat in these areas accounts for the rarity.
  
  

  ---

  
  
• Tackle and Techniques
  • Light spinning or bait-casting tackle with 6-12 pound test line and 20 pound test monofilament leader is sufficient.
  • The best place to find trout is in the sea grass beds.
  • You can cast while wading or drifting across a grass flat or troll using an electric trolling motor.
  
  

  ---

  
  
• Bait
  • A live shrimp or baitfish bait rigged to a line with a popping cork is the number one method for trout fishing.
  • Jigs tipped with a small piece of shrimp and gold spoons are very effective artificial baits.
  • Weedless jigs are desirable when you fish in the sea grass.
  • Adults feed mainly on shrimp and small fish
  
  

Secrets to Success

This species segregates itself by size. When you encounter a congregation of trout, chances are real good they will all be within an inch or two of each other. If they are too small, move on and look for the bigger ones.