Speckled trout are heat water predators that choose mullet. And if you recognize the place and when to search out them, decide the correct lures, and run an acceptable chief, you possibly can catch them like a professional!
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The nice and cozy, shallow waters of the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are perfect habitat for one in all America’s hottest saltwater recreation fish: speckled trout.
Aggressive predators that focus on giant fish relative to their very own physique measurement, speckled sea trout thrive in estuarine environments wealthy in mullet. Like their relative the purple drum, common specks aren’t notably cautious, however it’s essential to hit the water with a plan if you wish to catch your restrict or should you hope to land a trophy fish.
And to formulate a plan to catch speckled trout, it’s essential to perceive them, their most popular searching grounds, and their feeding habits.
Wish to catch specks like a professional?
Maintain studying!
Speckled Trout Fundamentals
Generally known as “specks,” speckled sea trout are recognized to marine biologists as Cynoscion nebulosus.
When you suppose specks are a real trout, I can’t blame you. There’s no denying that they give the impression of being a bit like a trout, however speckled sea trout are literally a member of the drum household, and like each purple and black drum, these fish love shallow, heat water, estuarial environments wealthy in prey, and shifting tides that sweep fish into ambush.
Thriving within the heat waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast, states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are recognized for in depth populations of those widespread recreation fish, in addition to the anglers who flock to inshore waters to catch them.
And whereas specks will transfer north alongside the Atlantic coast, like purple and black drum, they’re cold-water illiberal, preferring temperatures between 59 °F and 86 °F.
If the mercury dips under 60, count on speckled trout to search for rivers and streams which can be a number of levels hotter than the salt marshes and sandy flats the place you’ll often discover them.
Which will sound like an uncommon habitat for a saltwater recreation fish, however Mom Nature has geared up the speckled sea trout with large adaptability to low-saline environments, and specks may be discovered far into the freshwater habitats provided by freshwater inflows to salty estuaries.
In heat climates, specks spawn within the late fall and early winter, usually November to December, and whereas they guarantee the way forward for the species, they’ll usually cease feeding and the chunk will flip off virtually totally. However October and January discover specks greedily feeding on mullet, and so they’ve been recognized to take prey that rivals them in measurement.
After all the timing of the spawn varies by water temperature and thus by latitude, and the specks will begin spawning earlier the farther north you go and the cooler the general water temperatures in any given area.
As an example, in North Carolina, specks usually begin spawning in April, and so they’ll wrap up reproducing by September. That’s rather a lot sooner than you’ll see the spawn in locations like Galveston Bay!
Speckled trout are well-armed with lengthy, canine-esque enamel, permitting them to grab and maintain giant fish.
One take a look at this mouth tells you that specks aren’t chasing minnows!
Voracious predators which can be eager for large mullet, speckled trout develop to a mean measurement of 11 to 14 inches and 1 to three kilos. They’re typically caught at weights of three to five kilos, however cautious outdated specks can attain a monstrous 10 kilos or extra.
Jared Horst of Louisiana State College notes that “small trout eat giant quantities of shrimp and different crustaceans. As trout develop into bigger, their food regimen shifts towards fish, the bigger, the higher. Research in Texas and Mississippi present that actually large trout strongly choose to feed on mullets; a big trout will discover the most important mullet it may well deal with and attempt to swallow it. Typically the mullet is half or two-thirds as giant because the trout. The important thing to catching giant trout is to fish the place they’re and use large baits.”
The place to Catch Speckled Trout
Specks choose heat water and environments that maintain loads of prey, particularly mullet.
Whereas immature specks feed on crustaceans like shrimp, mature speckled trout are largely piscivorous. That doesn’t imply that they received’t feed on shrimp in the event that they run throughout them, however moderately that the overwhelming majority of their food regimen is made up of bigger mullet.
Leaping mullets are sometimes being chased out of the water by hungry speckled trout.
Bells ought to be going off in your head proper there, as a result of should you discover the mullet, you’ll discover the specks preying on them.
Maintain your eyes open: should you see mullets leaping away from the water, that’s an excellent signal that they’re being chased by a predator, and 9 occasions out of ten, that’s a faculty of hungry specks in pursuit of a giant meal!
Searching habitat
Specks choose shifting water, and like reds, you’ll discover them close to pure funnels in a shifting tide or present. They’re additionally drawn to places the place currents or wind-blow water hit nonetheless areas, creating a visual divide known as an “edge.”
However in contrast to purple drum, speckled trout choose the highest of the water column, searching the floor moderately than the underside.
Now, in shallow bays, mud flats, and tidal lagoons, the underside and the floor could solely be just a few toes aside, however the place there’s a real water column, they’ll hunt larger moderately than decrease.
Search for specks in shifting water close to bridges, piers, erosion limitations, and jetties, the place they’ll be seeking to ambush mullet captured by a shifting tide.
The Perdido Move Bridge close to Orange Seaside, Alabama is a good place to search for specks.
One other great spot to find specks is within the pure funnels created by islands and different options. I search for anyplace that gives construction that channels present and canopy that gives a hiding place for specks.
Like purple drum, speckled sea trout will wait in ambush in pure funnels, searching for mullet which can be captured by the present.
An incoming tide in St. Mary’s Inslet on the Georgia/Florida line is a good place to search out specks pre- and post-spawn.
That’s why construction like bridge pilings or outdated pier foundations, particularly in the event that they’re swept by wind and tide, are additionally prime spots to search out specks.
However don’t ignore rock partitions, small islands, erosion limitations, jetties, and piers. Specks will congregate close to these as nicely, searching the perimeters and ideas, ready in ambush, and sticking tight to something that disrupts the tide or wind.
Previous pilings swept by tides can maintain an astonishing variety of specks.
And grassy marshes, particularly the place they’re fed by freshwater inlets or topic to sturdy tidal flows may be very productive.
Estuarine environments the place you discover water circulation between islands or close to streams and rivers may be wonderful choices for speckled trout.
Lastly, a terrific place to search for specks within the cooler months of the 12 months is in rivers, creeks, and streams that feed an estuary or mud flat. These shallow, sun-warmed freshwaters are perfect for overwintering specks, and so they’ll fortunately keep there till water temperatures rise into the low 70s.
A freshwater creek or stream feeding an estuary or mud flat generally is a paradise for overwintering specks.
When to Catch Speckled Trout
Focusing on specks takes greater than realizing the place to look; it’s essential to have a strong plan about when to search for them, too.
Pre- and post-spawn
The spawn is clearly a nasty time of 12 months to catch specks, as they’ll cease feeding virtually totally whereas they concentrate on creating the subsequent era.
However previous to and after the spawn, hungry specks will probably be making up for his or her spawning-induced anorexia by hitting mullet arduous. When you time the spawn appropriately to your space, you possibly can nail speckled trout within the pre-and post-spawn durations, after they’ll be notably aggressive!
Daybreak, nightfall, and overcast, cloudy days
Like most fish, specks are extra actively feeding within the 90 minutes surrounding daybreak and nightfall, although cloudy, overcast days can discover them biting all day. That is very true throughout highly regarded climate, when a chilly entrance sweeps by bringing clouds, rain, and cooler temperatures in its wake.
Speckled sea trout are very fresh-water tolerant, and rain received’t usually run them off their prime spots like it may well reds, nor will weeks of freshwater intrusion right into a salt marsh trouble them in any respect.
It’s true, nonetheless, that specks choose clearer water, as their eager imaginative and prescient is their major searching sense. So very murky or stained water could make it tougher for speckled trout to hunt and feed, but it surely shouldn’t suppress the chunk utterly.
Tidal flows and wind
But when there’s a single issue that issues essentially the most for timing your journey to the water, it’s tidal circulation.
Speckled sea trout merely love shifting water, and should you can time your fishing to reap the benefits of daybreak or nightfall throughout a shifting tide, you’ll have the very best possibilities to catch your restrict.
If the tide isn’t in your favor, you possibly can nonetheless attempt to discover the spots the place the wind will push water, seize mullet, and draw speckled trout.
One technique that I take advantage of on windy days when the tide isn’t shifting is to search for gnarly coast line.
Whether or not there’s a jetty, an erosion barrier, an outdated pier, or perhaps a collection of small islands, I’ll fish the perimeters and lees of no matter’s there, because the wind-blown present means specks will probably be searching.
I like irregular shapes on days like this, and I’m not searching for pristine, ruler-straight white sand seashores.
As an alternative, I would like gnarly shoreline, a lot of channels and twists and turns, and loads of spots for wind-blown water to brush by grassy areas and different optimum searching grounds.
Even when you possibly can’t catch a tide good, a powerful wind blowing water by areas like this creates wonderful alternatives.
Speckled Trout Fishing Suggestions
You already know the place to search for specks. You’ve thought-about when to fish for them, too.
Now, let’s get into a few of our greatest tricks to catch speckled trout.
Stealth issues
Whereas sexually mature specks aren’t what most anglers would take into account cautious, the bigger, older specks that present bragging rights are fairly nicely schooled in your tips.
They’ll be simpler to spook with a ship than you suppose, and it’s essential that you just stand off, use lures that solid nicely, and hold motor and boat noise to a minimal.
By this I don’t imply be quiet and cease speaking, though that may assist, too.
What I’d actually concentrate on is outboard noise and waves slapping my hull.
One method that I like to make use of on my kayak is to float together with the present, letting my boat be pulled by the tide and casting into possible spots as I go them. I’m unsure that that is as efficient from a bigger boat, however I’d nonetheless give it a attempt if the scenario is correct.
One other stealthy strategy is to wade for specks, and this may be extremely efficient should you’ve discovered a possible spot on a shifting tide.
Don’t be shy about wading for specks!
You received’t threat spooking large fish, and if you could find a location with a pure channel, particularly if there are many dwell weed beds close by, you possibly can solid the place it’s essential to with out scaring off skittish specks.
Dwell bait: mullet, mullet, and extra mullet
It’s not that shrimp can’t appeal to specks; they will and do.
It’s moderately that mature speckled sea trout are mullet specialists, preferring a giant, juicy fish to all different meals.
When you’re going to make use of dwell or reduce bait, mullet is the way in which to go by a rustic mile! Both choice – reduce or dwell – ought to be rigged with a pointy 1/0 circle hook just like the Proprietor Mutu Gentle Circle Hook
These hooks are a lot sturdy – you don’t want a thick gauge for speckled trout – and their self-hooking design signifies that you received’t miss a strike – ever!
Ask any constitution captain you meet: they’ll suggest circle or octopus hooks for dwell bait.
The Finest Lures for Speckled Trout
Two issues are essential to think about while you’re fascinated about lures for specks.
First, speckled sea trout are legendary for his or her urge for food and aggression, and they’re going to hit giant lures much more incessantly than small ones.
Second, specks hunt excessive within the water column. Except the underside and the floor are only a foot or two aside, working the underside isn’t going to get you very far.
Because of this, I concentrate on three common lure varieties: plugs, suspending twitchbaits, and topwater.
Plugs
After I take into consideration plugs for specks, I’m searching for shallow divers and mullet patterns.
Two choices that I notably like are the MirrOlure 17 Mrbg Mirrodine and the 6-inch Daiwa Salt Professional Minnow.
Each of those lures dive to a depth of about 3 toes, working proper the place you need them.
And the large Daiwa Salt Professional Minnow specifically is a speck hammer, permitting you to cowl water shortly and appeal to large fish searching for a large meal.
Twitchbaits
Twitchbaits are the saltwater equal of the jerkbait, and so they’re at their greatest when the water temperature is on the cool finish and it’s essential to hold a lure entrance and middle to attract a strike. A very good twitchbait just like the MirrOLure Pores and skin Sequence C-Eye MirrOdine CS17, which is about as reasonable a mullet sample as you’ll discover wherever, are dynamite.
These suspending twitchbaits may be labored on the edges of a shifting present, across the factors of construction, and previous brings pilings.
They’re so efficient when the water’s within the 70s that they need to be unlawful.
The Bomber Mullet Gradual-Sinking Twitch can be a terrific choice, particularly if the water is a bit murky, as a result of its vibrant, reflective sample shines like fish scales, ringing that dinner bell for all it’s value!
Topwater
Topwater lures are an effective way to focus on actively feeding specks in any circumstances.
As a result of specks select giant mullet after they can, I’m going to upsize my lures, and plenty of will resemble their favourite prey merchandise.
I’m certain you received’t be stunned to listen to that I like a giant Tremendous Spook, particularly in “silver mullet.”
If I see mullet getting hammered close to the floor, or I see mullet leaping away from the water, you higher consider I’m casting a giant spook into that insanity, and with just a few jerks of my rod tip, there’s an excellent likelihood it’ll get hit kind of instantly.
These lures solid fantastically, even on windy days, and whether or not you select to “stroll the canine” with them, pop them in begins and stops, or jerk them arduous and allow them to sit for just a few seconds, you’ll get quick consideration if specks are round.
Different lure choices to think about
There are in fact different lures that work nicely for specks, and one in all greatest is a soft-plastic paddle tail.
Since specks goal bigger mullet, I wish to throw a giant, unweighted paddle tail just like the 5.5-inch Yamamoto Swimming Senko.
In cooler water, I’ll use a 1/0 offset worm hook just like the Gamakatsu, and rip this unweighted paddle tail into darts, turns, and begins and stops ending in lengthy glides.
In hotter water, I’ll swim it previous possible spots, run it above the tops of grass, and burn it with a collection of twitches previous the place specks will probably be ready.
And I’m actually not afraid to throw any large worm or Senko in the identical approach.
Leaders
Specks have mouths which can be stuffed with sharp enamel, and should you don’t use a frontrunner comprised of robust mono or fluorocarbon, you’re going to lose quite a lot of fish to interrupt offs.
I choose a 20-pound mono chief like Trilene Huge Recreation, however fluorocarbon works nicely, too. I usually tie about 2 toes of chief onto my line utilizing a Double Uni, securing my terminal deal with with a Uni or Palomar, as wanted.
Last Ideas
With a great plan in thoughts, you possibly can all however assure that you just’ll be on speckled trout each time you search for them, catching them like a professional moderately than a generally angler.
We hope that this text has helped you’re taking your speck fishing to the subsequent degree, and we’d love to listen to from you if it has.
Please depart any feedback or questions under!
