Guide to Fishing and Catching Seatrout

Seatrout, also known as spotted seatrout or speckled trout, is a prized gamefish found in coastal waters. Known for their striking appearance, feisty fight, and excellent taste, they are a favorite among anglers and seafood lovers alike. This guide covers everything you need to know about seatrout, from their identification and behavior to fishing techniques, gear, and even cooking recipes.

Seatrout Identification

Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) are easily recognized by their silver-gray bodies adorned with numerous black spots running along their backs and tails. They often have a faint iridescent sheen and yellowish tint on their fins. Adult seatrout typically range from 14 to 24 inches in length and weigh 1 to 4 pounds, though larger “gator trout” can exceed 10 pounds.

Key Identification Features:

• Body Shape: Streamlined, slender body with a pointed snout.
• Coloration: Silvery with a greenish or bluish hue on the back and distinct black spots.
• Fins: Yellowish or translucent; tail fin is slightly forked.
• Mouth: Large, with sharp, canine-like teeth.

Spawning Behavior

Seatrout spawn during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall. They prefer shallow, grassy areas in estuaries and bays where water salinity is moderate. Spawning occurs during dusk and is often accompanied by the males producing a drumming sound to attract females.

Key Facts About Spawning:

• Females release millions of eggs during the spawning season.
• Fertilized eggs hatch quickly, often within 24 hours.
• Juvenile seatrout use seagrass beds and marshes as nurseries for protection and abundant food.

Feeding Behavior

Seatrout are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small fish such as mullet, pinfish, and menhaden, as well as crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. They are most active during low-light conditions, such as early morning, late afternoon, or cloudy days.

Tips for Understanding Their Feeding Habits:

• Seatrout often ambush prey near grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs.
• They exhibit seasonal feeding patterns, increasing activity during cooler months.
• They are highly attracted to noisy or flashy bait, mimicking struggling prey.

Best Places to Catch Seatrout

Some of the best locations for catching seatrout include:

• Inshore Waters: Bays, estuaries, and lagoons with sandy or muddy bottoms.
• Seagrass Flats: Areas with ample vegetation where baitfish congregate.
• Channels and Drop-offs: Transition zones between shallow and deeper waters.
• New Smyrna Beach, Florida: The Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon are prime spots for trophy-sized seatrout, making them a must-visit for anglers.

Fishing Techniques for Seatrout

1. Bait Selection

• Live Bait: Shrimp, mullet, and pinfish are excellent choices. Hook live bait under the tail or dorsal fin for natural movement.
• Artificial Lures: Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and jerkbaits are effective, especially those mimicking baitfish or shrimp.
• Scented Baits: Products like Gulp! shrimp add an extra layer of attraction for finicky fish.

2. Gear and Line

• Rod and Reel: A medium-light spinning rod paired with a reel holding 10- to 15-pound braided line works well.
• Leader: Use a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to prevent cut-offs from sharp teeth or underwater structures.
• Hooks: Circle hooks or J-hooks, size 2/0 to 4/0, depending on the bait size.

3. Casting and Retrieval Techniques

• Topwater Lures: Work topwater plugs with a walk-the-dog motion for thrilling surface strikes.
• Soft Plastics: Jig soft plastics across the bottom with short hops to mimic a fleeing shrimp.
• Drifting and Casting: Drift over seagrass flats, casting and retrieving to cover more area.

4. Seasonal Adjustments

• Spring and Summer: Target shallower areas with live bait or topwater lures during early mornings.
• Fall and Winter: Focus on deeper channels and drop-offs using soft plastics or slow-moving jigs.

Important Facts About Seatrout

• Seatrout have a sensitive swim bladder that helps them produce the drumming sound during spawning.
• They are considered a "fragile" species, so handle them carefully to ensure successful catch-and-release efforts.
• Florida has specific regulations to protect seatrout populations, including size and bag limits. Always check local rules before fishing.

Cooking Seatrout

Seatrout is a versatile fish with a mild, delicate flavor. Here are two easy recipes to showcase its taste:

1. Pan-Seared Seatrout with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 seatrout fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat the fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
4. Add lemon juice, stirring to combine. Drizzle the sauce over the fillets.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

2. Blackened Seatrout Tacos

Ingredients:

• 4 seatrout fillets
• 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1⁄2 cup pico de gallo
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream or yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Rub the fillets with blackening seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until blackened.
3. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with fish, cabbage, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy.

Plan Your Fishing Trip

Seatrout fishing offers the perfect combination of excitement and reward. Whether you're an angler looking for a new challenge or a seafood enthusiast eager to try something fresh, seatrout delivers on all fronts. With this guide, you'll be well-prepared to target, catch, and cook these incredible fish. For a top-notch fishing experience, visit New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and book a trip with Code Red Fishing Charters. An expert guide can help you find the best spots for seatrout and other inshore species. Happy fishing!