Spotted Seatrout - Gray Trout Fishing Techniques

Gray trout and spotted seatrout are both very popular fish among anglers. Known for their bone jarring strikes, they among the hardest fighting saltwater fish. In many areas, both species can be caught. Spotted seatrout tend to be more common in shallow areas, while gray seatrout, also known as weakfish often prefer deeper areas.

Both species of seatrout are members of the drum family, which includes spot, red drum, black drum and Atlantic croaker. Most members of this family make a drumming or croaking sound by vibrating their swim bladder.

Seatrout fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the situation. For casting baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning outfits in the 12-20 lb range. Other situations such as jigging require conventional reels. Most seatrout specialists choose reels with smooth drags and fish with high quality lines.

Anglers fish for seatrout with live or cut baits such as spot, striped mullet, shrimp, peeler or soft crabs, squid and other baits. Preferred baits vary with season, location, availability and personal preference.

In many areas anglers cast lures for seatrout. These include soft bodied jigs, bucktails, crank baits, plugs and other lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures can be critical, with experience being a key asset for fishermen. Lures, terminal tackle and knots all need attention in order handle the stresses of these fish.

Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target spotted and gray seatrout. Fly casters seek out fish around grass beds, oyster bars, rock piles, stumps other structures. Saltwater fly patterns that mimic local baitfish are used most often.

Anglers that catch seatrout sometimes release the fish unharmed, often tagging the fish before it is released. Fish destined for release are often kept in the water to prevent harming them. Other anglers keep a few fish for the table.

Both spotted seatrout and gray trout are excellent table fare. The meat is flaky and rich in flavor, with a fair amount of oil content. Seatrout fillets can be fried, baked, grilled or smoked.

By J.C. Banks -
About the Author:

The author writes for several outdoor websites including Freshwater Fishing News, USA Fishing Guides and Virginia Saltwater Fishing.