While not the most ferocious fish you’ll ever find at the other end of the line, this estuarine staple has stood the test of time as a saltwater angler favorite throughout the southeastern United States. If you’re curious to learn more, Reel Gypsy Fishing has gathered some interesting facts below to help school you on this popular commercial and recreational game fish.

What Are Speckled Trout?

Well, the obvious answer is fish. But are they really trout? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Contrary to its name, the speckled species belongs not to the trout family, but rather the drum family. Like all members of this family, the speckled trout has an air bladder that it uses to generate a croaking sound that is reminiscent of a small drum and meant to attract potential mates. The body of a speckled trout is silvery with a purple sheen and has eponymous black dots (or speckles) that pockmark along with its fins and back. Though with an exception, many have two canine teeth that protrude from the front of their mouths.

Location And Range

Speckled trout live almost exclusively inshore at the top of the water column and along the coast of the southeastern United States, such as:

• Texas
• Louisiana
• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Georgia
• And Florida

Though less common, speckled trout can be found in the Carolinas and Virginia, as well as in Delaware and even as far north as Cape Cod. Estuarine by nature (meaning they are native to estuaries), speckled trout thrive in both freshwater and saltwater, and tend to stay in close distance to the area in which they are born.

Size And Life-Cycle 

The life of a speckled trout begins in the marshy shallows of estuaries that line the coast. Small eggs, hardly larger than a grain of sand, float along the waters’ surface, where they hatch between spring and fall of each year. Once hatched, speckled trout eat rapidly and nonstop in order to increase their size and minimize chances of being eaten themselves. They feast on shrimp and other small crustaceans. On average, speckled trout range from 8-10 inches in length but there are also speckled trout that are 18-23 inches available in specific areas. Once having reached maturity, approximately two years from when they hatch. At their maximum, speckled trout have been known to reach nearly 40 inches and weigh almost 18 pounds!

Fishing

Because they are such prolific breeders and relatively easy to hook, speckled trout are routinely considered one of the best and most sustainable fish to catch in the United States. It’s estimated that nearly half a million are brought boat-side each year. State regulations often change annually, depending on the size of the hatch and other factors, so be sure you are privy to the latest updates.

World-Class Angling is Only a Click Away With Reel Gypsy Fishing

If you are looking for a quality fishing charter, regardless of your experience, look no further than Reel Gypsy Fishing. Our fishing charter possesses a team of experienced anglers and captains that bring with them decades of combined knowledge and skill to every trip. If you’re interested, book your trip online through our contact page or call us at 251-533-1439.