Speckled trout is a premiere and much sought after game fish. Browse through to find some tips on netting these fish.
Fishing is a type of hunting, albeit, one of a kind. Unlike hunting on
terra firma, it takes you in a territory which you are not built for, that is water. It is a territory where your prey, the fish, is better adapted. So, you need to use every inch of guile to trap the fish. To catch a speckled trout, you need even more tact and guile.
The Prey
To be a good hunter and a fisherman, you must know your prey, thoroughly well. In fact, to be a good hunter, you must think like your prey. That way, tracking your prey down is simpler. So, 'Know Thy Prey' is the first piece of advice.
Physical Description
The speckled trout fish are known by many names, like spotted sea trout, specks, yellow mouths and even paper mouths. They are silver colored, with an olive green tinted back. Their dorsal fin and tail is riddled with black dots. The upper jaw, with a pair of prominent canine teeth is smaller than the lower jaw. It has quite an elongated body, with a large mouth. The average size of these fish is about 14-18 inches and they weigh about 1-3 pounds. They prefer water, with temperatures in the range of 65° to 75° Fahrenheit.
Foraging and Habitat
This fish thrives on shrimp, small fish (croakers and pogies) and crustaceans. It thrives in shallow coastal areas, with sandy or mud bottoms. They are found throughout the gulf coastal belt and especially near the South Los Angeles coast, which has many bays. They also move into inland waters and live in the estuaries for some time of the year. The 'Time of kill' for this fish is May, June, and July, which is their breeding season. Large schools populate the gulf, during this time.
Speckled Trout Fishing for Beginners
Beginners should know that fishing takes a lot of patience and skill. You have to use the right tools for the job. Fishing for big game requires good equipment like a saltwater tackle and a lot of skill. Here are some tips from experienced fishermen.
Locate Thy Prey
To catch these fish, firstly, you must know their favorite hangouts. They like to hang out near sandbars, points, oyster beds, and depressions. They can be found even near docks which can be safe havens for them, if you are unaware of this fact of course. Other hangouts are in the shallows, near the drop's edge. Some other hot spots to look out for are the water under bridges, fallen trees, and rock piles.
Stealth is Thy Weapon
While fishing for speckled trout, stealth is your prime weapon. They are very quick to escape, once they know they are spotted. So, you need to approach your prey stealthily, with wade fishing being the strategy of choice. It is one of the most effective techniques to catch them.
Take the Cover of Night
These big fish feed after nightfall. The waters are quieter and therefore, this is their preferred dinner time and therefore, your fishing time. They are more likely to be found near the shore at this time. So, take the cover of the dark and fish only after nightfall.
To Catch Big Fish, Set Big Baits
Big trouts like these fish are generally lazy and therefore, go for big baits. Using big baits may increase your chances of netting them.
Fishing for speckled trout is not a simple job. The challenge of catching them can be an enjoyable experience. It takes a lot of patience.
