Saltwater Fish - Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus

AKA:  Speckled seatrout, speck

Distinguishing Markings:

Specs have a streamlined body, dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below.  Numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail.  No barbels, no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw

Size: 

Common to 4 pounds on West Coast, larger on East Coast, up to 15 pounds.

Distribution:

Throughout bays, passes, marshes and in the surf of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions

Habitat:

Lives mainly in estuaries and moves only short distances.  Prefers water temperatures between 58 and 81 degrees F and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather

Food Preference:

Feeds mainly on shrimp and small fish

Spawning:

Matures during first or second year and spawns inshore from March through November; often in association with seagrass beds

Fishing Tips:

Fish year round, although warmer months are most productive.  Use live shrimp and small fish, also a variety of lures including spoons, touts, jigs, crank baits, soft plastics.  Use cracked crab or  cut mullet over oyster beds.

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