Sea trout! The true facts from start to finish!

  The Spotted (speckled) trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most famous trout caught in the Gulf waters.

Speckled sea trout!

  Life span--about 10 years, Size--usually averages about 4 lbs. in the Gulf, Record--15 lbs. 6 oz.

Habitat

  Usually they are found congregating in schools inshore over grass and sand on the west and east coasts of Florida (considered a bottom feeder) and are non-migratory. "They love to hang out in the same spots with the same buddies." The female speck will outlive the male by about five years and produces eggs in the quantity of tens of thousands. Later in life the egg production grows to hundreds of thousands.

Identification

  They are dark grey above and white on the body. There are black spots adorning the upper sides, back, second dorsal fin, and the tail. The mouth tears easily and the inside of the mouth is usually yellowish in color. One or two canine teeth are usually found in the upper jaw at the front. (It doesn't bark but it can bite if you think about sticking your finger in its mouth.)

Catching this streamlined beauty

  Try live shrimp, small live fishes, cut mullet, any type of artificial bait such as jigs, spoons, streamer flies, and most artificial bait that has sparkles or silver flashes. They are inquisitive about sound. Try a noisy bobber that will plunk, bloop, blob, plink, or blap, to name a few noises made when you pull on your line. They fight hard, but not for long.
  No more kids stuff after 2 years; this fish is now an adult and the female will spawn inshore, usually over sea grass beds, from some time in March through November. Preferring an environmental water temperature of 58 to 81 degrees F., they will slip through the bottom areas and delight you with their willingness to hit almost any bait thrown at them.

After the Catch

  The fish must remain in a whole condition until brought ashore, and the total length is measured from the tip of its nose to tip of its tail. Because the regulations are always time-dated, it is your responsibility to obtain the latest information on size and amount from your nearest Florida Marine Patrol District Office.

Let's Eat!

  Fresh trout is fantastic when prepared directly after catching. Freezing the meat is not a good idea because long freeze periods tend to soften the flesh and allow it to deteriorate into a mushy mess. Incidentally, its flavor becomes blah and fishy. Like the pelican your catch should be only what you can eat when fresh.