Speckled trout are our most prevalent species around the Tampa Bay region. They spawn year-round so their numbers are sustained and they are a flourishing species. For sport, trout are easier to catch than almost everything else we have in the Gulf of Mexico. Trout caught in numbers can be average size fish: 13 to 15 inches. In the right locations you can be into trout that are considerably larger. The slot on trout is 15 to 20 inches. An angler can keep four. One of the four can be over 20 inches. I believe the slot size fish are better eating and I release all trout over 20 inches.
Catching trout is a straightforward situation. Light tackle is not only best but more fun. There are three schools of thought on targeting trout. The first is topwater lures. This is a way to target the larger trout. Topwater lures work excellent and it is fun to see the explosions on your lures. Right now the topwater bite is on fire, The second approach is “the jig.” A soft plastic tail on a jighead. I use 1/8 or 3/16-ounce jigheads. I like a five or six inch jerkbait style tail. Swim the lures down by the grassy bottom for best success. You need to be in grassy areas to have success with trout. The third option is live bait. I don’t do it but it is an option. Live baits like sardines will easily entice trout. All three options are effective. Trout are edible. I put them mid-grade. I will eat trout but there are species I like better. You fish here, you need to enjoy the opportunity we have for trout.
Neil Taylor
Full time kayak fishing guide, Neil was an advocate for conservation since before the time he started guiding.Outdoor writer, speaker and radio show host, Neil connected closely with Captain Mel Berman and did many positives with Mel to promote ethical angling. After Mel passed away, Neil managed www.capmel.com and eventually became that web site’s owner.
Latest posts by Neil Taylor (see all)
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
