Spotted Sea Trout on a Fly

If you begin considering saltwater fish species, you will undoubtedly find pictures of tuna, marlin, and tarpon plastered all over your Google search and local bait shop walls.

Yet another fish that is far more accessible goes underappreciated every day. It swims in America’s shallow, salt waters right past many well-intentioned fishermen on their way out for a day of fishing adventure.

They are just as incredible on the pallet as on the end of a well-bent fly rod. It takes very little skill and no specialized tackle to acquire them. They are the fish of every man. The fish of any man, so long as they are willing to put forth a little effort.

This is a guide on the spotted sea trout on a fly.

All About Spotted Sea Trout

The spotted sea trout will get slightly over two feet long. In keeping with the mantra of the state, the record Texas spotted sea trout tipped the scales at no less than five times the three-pound average.  Everything is bigger in Texas, afterall.

Though, it is rare that they grow to such an enormous size. The typical adult will sport a dark grey and green, black-lined body covered in spots. However, what they lack in size, they make up for in the art under their transparent scales cover.

The spotted sea trout’s mouth is one built for predatory action. It is angled in such a way to capitalize on striking unsuspecting prey from below and opens extremely wide. Often described as “bucket mouths,” their gaping mouths come with two fang-like teeth that help them hold onto unlucky baitfish they catch.

Their primary diet as adults is smaller bait fish. However, throughout their youth, they will prey on crustaceans and other targets of opportunity befitting their size. No matter their age, they are ravenous predators looking for unsuspecting prey.

These beautiful but insatiable predators inhabit the Gulf and Atlantic coast with a range from Massachusetts down to South America. Though they sometimes make their way to deeper water to survive the winter months, many will stay local.

This is driven mainly by a high sensitivity to water temperatures, making them distinct from many other saltwater fish species. It also leads them to primarily be known for their highly active surface behavior. However, in certain conditions, they are just as active in deep troughs on the bottom.

Where to Find Spotted Sea Trout

Spotted sea trout are ambush predators that love to stalk baitfish. This brings them into shallow water far more often than many other fish. This is especially true in the spring and summer, where the water is warmer, and the shallower water is more hospitable to the bait they pursue.

In addition to shallow water, they are drawn to structure. Oyster beds, particularly, create an environment for sea trout to thrive. The oysters and barnacles are a breeding ground for algae and the smaller fish that feed on them. As the baitfish fill their bellies, so do the sea trout.

Grass is another prime structure for sea trout. For much of the same reason they love oyster beds, sea trout will also gravitate to submerged grass beds. As they hide in the grass and feed on the algae and other smaller life forms, the sea trout ambush them from inside the grass beds they hide in.

Packing the Tacklebox

Like any fish, the spotted sea trout have unique tackle considerations. However, it is not the type of fish that will require you to go on a budget quest for special equipment. Most of the needed tackle can be found at any local fly shop if you don’t own it.

Rods—When chasing sea trout, you want to use a 6-8 weight rod. With anything lighter, you run a severe risk of having a bad day. Anything bigger and you will likely not have the sensitivity you need in the rod, which could cause the fly to tear the trout’s mouth. That would lead to more lost fish than anyone could stand.

Reels— Bear in mind sea trout are like a torpedo with a nuclear engine. They can pull hard and fast for an extended time. Whatever reel you choose, you need to ensure a few things. First, it needs to match your rod well. Second, it needs to have a high capacity for backing prolonged fights. Lastly, you need to have a smooth drag.

Leaders—Like any trout, hiding your leader is of paramount concern. Since they primarily hunt based on what they see, you don’t want anything to look “off.” Therefore, using a 4x-6x tippet would work. However, since sea trout are energetic and have much more aggressive teeth, using 0x-3x tippet can be more appropriate. Yet, there is a balancing act. The heavier tippet will lose fewer fish but will be more visible. Therefore, you may need to start with 3x and experiment with heavier and lighter tippets based on your experience, light, and water conditions.

Flies— Spotted sea trout can be picky and complicated to figure out. However, given their vivacious appetites, you will be successful with a bit of experimentation. Defer to dull-colored shrimp imitators for muddy and stained water. For clear water,  flashy clouser minnows should be your starting point. The more you can capture light and transmit a flash, the more likely you will bring in a sea trout.

Hooks— The hook size that needs to be used will depend mainly on the fly you deem appropriate for the situation. Sea trout are well known for their enormous appetites and proclivity for jumping on baits that are larger than what you would think you could handle. Hooks as large as a #1 down to a #4 are used with great success. However, when it comes to these fish, bigger is always better.

Tips for Catching Spotted Sea Trout on a Fly

Embrace Topwater – Sea trout love to attack from below. Fishing topwater flies can be extremely effective and rewarding. Don’t hesitate to sight fish with top water flies past feeding sea trout. You will get the bonus of watching your fly work as a sea trout explodes from underneath!

Play The Seasons– You can catch sea trout year-round reliably. However, depending on the area you will be fishing, their pre-winter feeding craze can be incredible. If you contemplate fishing from October to December, you need to consider targeting sea trout specifically.

Pauses Pay- With many predatory fish, when their target pauses, it triggers an instinctive strike. This is as true about spotted sea trout as it is with many other species. Injecting random pauses into your retrieve will likely open a window of opportunity for sea trout stalking your fly.

Catching Spotted Sea Trout with Scout Boats

For chasing spotted sea trout, smaller boats generally do better. When they are in the marshes and around structures, having a narrow boat with a deck to stand on will allow you to make better, more focused casts.

The 231 XSB was made just for such pursuits. Drafting less with a deck that stands far above the water, you will be able to make a stealthy approach into the inlets and bays that trout love to hang out in.

Source: https://scoutboats.com/blog/spotted-sea-trout-on-a-fly/

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