Speckled Trout Fishing Tactics

When it comes to fishing for speckled trout, or specs, as they are commonly called, there are several variables that will determine how you fish for them. These fish are a great choice regardless of your skill, though. Take the time to find an area that is well known for its supply of speckled trout prior to getting out there. Then, follow these tips and strategies.

One variable is the seasons. August and September are usually a little bit confusing unless you are well informed. The spawn is over by this time, and the specs are going to be moving inland. This is good for fishermen, because about the only time specs can not be caught fairly easily is when there is a sudden drop in temperature, and the inland movement makes it easier for bank and surf fishermen as well as making it a bit easier for all anglers to find them.

From August through September, if you are fishing for specs, pay close attention to inland bays, lakes, marshes, and places such as pipelines and bayous. All the way through March, you can easily find specs in the inland marshes and canals, but it is important to know where these are the deepest, because they really hang thickly in these locations.

Winter fishing for speckled trout is a little different though. When it is cold, they move to deep holes. If you try a minnow type lure on a 1/8 ounce jig head (you can go as heavy as a 1/2 oz, if you choose to) and keep working it on the bottom, you should have some good luck. Just be sure to work it very slowly, as this is the way to tempt the specs to bite.

They are just a little too sluggish in cold temperatures to try to move after a bait that seems too energetic. Keep your colors somewhere in the chartreuse/black range. Chartreuse/smoke will work too.

When you see the line move side to side, or see and feel a little slack in the line, it is important to know these are signs that you are getting a bite. The specs are just not as aggressive in the winter as they are in warmer weather. Be careful when you set your hook. Specs are not called paper mouths for no reason.

Aggressive sets will cause you to lose your catch and leave an injured fish in the water. Be sure to set your drag properly. You need to have it set so that the fish can run just a bit with your bait, that way they don't run the risk of tearing their mouths.

Another thing you need to do is try to find relatively clear water for the specs to respond well. They are sight feeders, and they really need to be able to see your bait to really bite well. The thing is, sometimes in the cold months, it is really hard to find clear water. When cold fronts blow through, it can really tear the water up, so for best bet, fish no sooner than a few days after one passes through your area.