Photo: United States Fish Commission / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Cynoscion nebulosus
Spotted Seatrout
Saltwater
About this species
A spotted, soft-mouthed inshore favorite of the southern US, popular for its willingness to hit lures. It patrols grass flats and drop-offs, most active around moving tides. Soft-plastic jigs, suspending twitchbaits and live shrimp under corks excel.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 5 m
Habitat Spots
EstuaryNearshoreFlats
Fishing Methods
LureFloatBait
Bait & Rig
Soft-plastic jigs, suspending twitchbaits, and live shrimp under a popping cork fished over grass flats and around oyster bars.
Edibility & Taste
Soft, delicate white flesh that must be eaten very fresh; excellent blackened, fried, or in seafood dishes.
Similar Species
Black spots on the back and upper tail fin plus a protruding lower jaw distinguish spotted seatrout from silver seatrout and weakfish.
Record Weight
7.93 kg