Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
Cynoscion nebulosus
FR Truite tachetée · ES Trucha moteada · PT Truta-moteada
Also known as: Speckled TroutSpotted WeakfishCorvinata PintadaTrucha de MarTrucha moteadaTruite tachetéeTruta-moteada
Surf/EstuaryShoreBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Dawn/dusk; night around lit docks/bridges
Depth
0–10m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Apr–OctGood Mar–Nov
Depth range
0–10mShallow
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing60%
Preferred seabed
SandMixed
Findr bio
Bank edge stalker — along rip lines and cruises high, dives fast; Bucktails Tipped With Bait.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryPier harborShallow water
Recommended baits
PrawnsFish baitsSoft plasticsSurface lures
Diet
Small fishShrimpAnchovyCrab
Effective techniques
SpinningRunning LedgerSurfcastingSaltwater Fly
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskNightMid flood
Not a trout — my freckles just won the nomenclature lottery.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf and southeast Atlantic grass flats, shell bars
Where they hang out
Grass flats and channel edges, shallow water
Prime time
Dawn/dusk; night around lit docks/bridges
Tide game
High; current funnels shrimp and baitfish over flats
What they're into
Soft plastics, live shrimp, suspending plugs
Temperature vibe
Prefers 18–24°C, deeper edges in heat
Fave weather
Wind and tide combine to concentrate bait
Fun fact about me
Not a trout — my freckles just won the nomenclature lottery.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Slot/bag limits common — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. FWC, TPWD)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)