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SPOTTED SEATROUT |
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Seatrout, or trout, as they are commonly called in Florida, are widely fished throughout the state. Their range covers the entire coast of Florida and all the way around the U.S. coastal Gulf of Mexico where they are equally popular with anglers in the other Gulf states. Schoolie trout up to 20” or so are accessible, relatively easy to catch fish and lend themselves equally well to beginners and experienced anglers alike. They are good table fare, which adds to their appeal still more. They are a common catch on the grass flats in the estuaries and lagoons, as well as the salty portions of rivers and backwaters of Florida. An area that holds smaller trout will always have more than a few around. Smaller trout are given to schooling behavior; sometimes tightly, sometimes loosely scattered about; and often, many can be caught from the same area or single spot. Intermediate and large trout, fish over 20” ranging up to 30+” are more challenging and are a favorite target for many savvy fishermen. Large trout over 24", or “gator” trout as they are commonly called, are virtually all females and are different in some of their habits from the smaller fish. While they can be found in schools during certain times of the year and in certain locations, they are generally more inclined to smaller, loose associations or solitary behavior mostly dependent on feeding stations and local habitat. Trout are a very attractive fish, unmistakable in appearance. As the name suggests, they have a substantial coat of spots, sometimes so heavy as to seem almost black on their backs. This spot coat is dappled over an olive back and iridescent sides, declining and disappearing below the lateral line to blend into a white belly. They are primarily ambush feeders, especially the smaller fish, and they blend in so well with the grassbeds in which they lay that it is sometimes impossible to see them until they move to strike a bait or flee one’s feet or the approach of the boat. They respond well to many methods and techniques, again, heightening their popularity for their angler friendliness. Live bait is the best guarantee of a strike from trout and I employ it frequently on charters, especially at night when the fish sometimes shun artificials in some spots. But, on day trips, I most often use artificial lures; jigs and soft jerkbaits, with topwater plugs a favorite when feasible. That said, one of my favorite diversions is wading or sightfishing for big trout with fly rods and deer hair sliders, muddlers or unweighted baitfish flies. As always, I will match the technique to your preferences and skill level. If you wish to pursue big fish, then the location of the fish and conditions will ultimately determine the technique(s) we use on your trip. Conventional tackle for trout fishing will range from 6-10 lb class spinning gear to 8-12 lb class plug casting tackle. Fly tackle selections are simple. A 7-9 weight outfit is ideal, depending on wind and skill level. If you wish to use your own outfit, I’ll be happy to discuss the kind of trip you wish to go on and advise you accordingly on which of your rods to bring. |
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A thick, 26.5" female about to return to her house in the grass. |
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A typical 17" school trout comes to the boat. |
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A fly caught 23.75" trout headed back to a winter spawning school. |
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Another fly caught winter female going home; this one a heavy bodied 9 lb, 28" bruiser. |
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