Dear Flagler Sportfishing Club Members,
With the upcoming changes to the Spotted Seatrout (Speckled) I thought this would be
a great time to share some information on them.
With new Seatrout regulations starting April 1st 2026, for our region (North East
Florida), the region itself has changed. It is now larger and includes the northern portion
of Volusia County (Lytle Avenue Bridge in New Smyrna Beach, locally referred to as the
South Causeway.) Our bag limit has also changed. We have a harvest (keep) limit of
15”- 19” total length (pinch the tail) and a bag limit of three (3) fish. There is NO longer
any over-size limit. So, this means ANY SEATROUT OVER 19” MUST BE RELEASED.
As a member of the Drum family the average Spotted Seatrout (speckled trout) is
typically 15 to 25 inches long and weighs 2 to 4 pounds, though males average around
19 inches and females average larger at 25 inches, with fish often common between 14
to 20 inches; they can, however, grow much larger, (Gator Trout) reaching over 30
inches and 17 pounds.
It’s been shown in scientific studies that smaller trout feed on shrimp and other
crustaceans, as fish grow their diet changes to fish, and the larger the better. The
studies have shown that a large trout will find the largest mullet it can handle and try to
swallow it. Often the mullet is half to two thirds the size of the fish trying to eat it. Adults
frequent grass beds, live oyster beds, creek mouths, drop-offs, and structures such as
jetties, stumps, pilings, and wrecks, where they feed primarily on shrimp and fish. They
are most abundant in depths of less than ten feet and prefer temperatures between
60°F and 80° F. Water temperatures below 45° F appear to cause large-scale
mortalities. They tolerate a range of salinities, but adults appear to be most numerous in
waters with salinities approaching that of seawater.
From April to September, sexually mature females spawn around estuary inlets.
Depending on the size of the female, spotted seatrout produce anywhere from 10,000 to
millions of oceanic eggs. The most important nursery for the young is small tidal marsh
creeks and shallow grass beds, while larger juveniles are widely distributed in estuarine
areas and along coastal beaches. They mature at the age of one year, when males are
about 10 inches long and females about 11 inches. At any given age, females are larger
than males, and they also attain a greater maximum age and size. They may live as
long as 18 years, but individuals over five years of age are rare.
For myself I typically catch trout on the cooler mornings especially when it is overcast or
foggy. It has been my experience that trout do not like bright sunny days. They can also
be caught under dock and bridge lights. I will use a soft plastic such as a Z-man
PaddlerZ or a top water Mirrolure with the classic red head and white body.
Off the topic of trout but exciting news – The Reel of Fortune is at $685.00 and the
winner will receive 80% of that amount! You must be present to win, so be sure to join
us this Thursday, April 2nd for our Monthly Member Meeting.
