If you’re looking for a light tackle game fish that’s hard to beat, look no further than the Speckled Trout. Known as the Spotted Seatrout in certain areas, these small, perciform fish are found almost anywhere in the world’s coastal waters. The Speck can be found in both saltwater and freshwater and has even made its way into a few lakes. If you’re interested in speck fishing, especially in Navarre, Florida, here is everything you need to know about where, how, and when to go after it.
Where to Find Speckled Trout?
The Speckled Trout is native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States and is also found in Canadian waters. They can be found in waters up to 40 feet deep. They are also known to enter freshwater rivers and lakes, especially in the spring. Speckled Trout can sometimes be found in warmer waters, but they prefer the cooler waters during the summer and fall.
The best places to find a Speckled Trout is perhaps in the Gulf of Mexico, anywhere from the Texas coast to the Florida Keys. It’s quite also a popular fish to catch off the coast of Massachusetts, especially at the Cape Cod Canal. If you’re looking for Speckled Trout in Florida, you can find them along the Gulf Coast near Navarre Beach or fishing in the Caloosahatchee River.
When’s the Best Time to Go Fishing for Speckled Trout?
In Florida, the best time to go fishing for Speckled Trout is from April to October. These fish can be found in great numbers during this time, and you’ll have an excellent chance of catching at least one. It is also possible to catch Speckled Trout from December to March, but the weather will be much colder.
The peak of the fishing season in Navarre, Florida, is from April until the end of June. During this time, you’ll have great fishing for Speckled Trout, especially in the evening hours. August and September are another great time for fishing for Speckled Trout, as well as the preceding spring.
How to Catch Speckled Trout
Now that you know when and where to find Speckled Trout, all you need is the right gear to fish with. For a light tackle Speckled Trout fishing trip, you will need a medium-sized spinning rod, a spinning reel with about 7-10 pounds of braid, a few small jigs, and a long piece of squid or shrimp. You’ll also need a few hooks in sizes from 1/0 to 3/0 and a bobber rigged with a small piece of shrimp or squid.
When you are fishing for a Speck, it’s best to use a small jig that you can slowly reel in while keeping the rod tip up. It’s also a good idea to try various depths, as this will increase your chances of encountering a Speckled Trout.
When you’re fishing for a Speckled Trout, it’s also a good idea to use glow-in-the-dark lures. They can often be found at night, and the fish will tend to bite on them while they are swimming.
Additional Tips for Fishing
If you’re planning on playing a Speckled Trout, you should make sure you don’t grip the fish too tightly, or it could easily slip out of your hand. Do not be too rough with it, as it can often be very fragile. When you do reel in the fish, do so as gently as possible, and use as much line as needed to keep the fish on the hook.
The larger you can catch a Speckled Trout, the better your chances of catching another. If you decide to keep the fish you caught, be sure to use a net so you can easily get the fish back in the water. Lastly, be sure to handle your catch with care, and return it back to the water as quickly and gently as possible.
Conclusion
Speckled Trout is one of the most widely caught game fish in the world. It’s not a trophy fish, but it’s a great fish to catch if you’re interested in practicing your light tackle angling skills. It’s also quite a delicious fish to eat, and you’ll have an excellent time trying to catch one.
If you want to have a unique and rewarding experience with your friends and family, Showintail Inshore Charters is the perfect place to be. We offer full-service inshore fishing charters where you can enjoy fishing at Navarre Beach, Pensacola, and Fort Walton Beach. Book a fishing charter with us today and experience the thrill of Speckled Trout fishing in Florida!
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