Surefire Speckled Trout Baits

The speckled trout is an excellent saltwater gaming fish. There are several different ways to catch this species of fish. In this article I will outline what I have found is the best pattern for pursuing this species.

The best location to fish for Speckled Trout is the vast grass flats of southern Florida, especially in the Florida Keys. These flats are distinguished by a vast area of shallow water. The best water to fish for this species is between one and three feet deep. They are called "grass flats" because the bottom of these areas is covered by thick dense sea grass. This grass often stickup near the surface of the water. It is a popular area for speckled trout due to the diversity of live that inhabits the sea grass.

When feeding a speckled trout, or any species for that matter, will invert their body as they stick their heads deep into the sea grass trying to root out morsels of food. You will often see their tails break the surface of the water as they give up their position.

You must understand when fishing for this species you must employ many of the same principles a hunter does. Stealth is very important. Many anglers use a push pole or simply allow the current to position their boat.

When you locate a fish you wish to try for it is important that you do not cast your lure right on top of the fish. It is best to cast beyond the position of the fish and your retrieve to bring the offering within striking range.

Light action gear is a must for a variety of reasons. I like using a high quality light action graphite rod for both casting distance, accuracy and the ability to feel the light pickups that will occur when fishing for this species.

I demand a reel that holds at least three hundred yards of six pound test line. I use only fluorocarbon line due to its invisibility properties. You must maintain your reel and make sure the drag is well oiled and functioning properly. Speckled Trout are capable of long powerful runs and must be fought carefully.

The preferred food for Speckled Trout is the shrimp. When live bait fishing there is nothing that beats a large lively shrimp for catching speckled Trout.

When targeting a fish I look for not only for the location of the fish but also the conditions of the water as well. I am trying to keep my presentation as natural as I can. I want to know the minute my offering hits the water just what the tide and current of the water will do to it. I then will cast by bait in a manner that allows the current of the water to bring my offering into the area my target is swimming.

For those of you who do not fish with live bait there are plenty of effective lures to use as well. The best on the market is the DOA shrimp. This is basically a plastic lure that impersonates their favorite food, a shrimp. It is weighted so the head burying in the grass while you retrieve the lure, leaving the body sticking up in the grass.