Seatrout (Speckled Trout)

Category: Inshore

Trip Type: Inshore / Nearshore

Speckled trout are one of Louisiana’s signature inshore game fish, prized for exciting action, outstanding table fare, and widespread availability.

Appearance

Spotted seatrout, better known in Louisiana as speckled trout, are sleek silver fish covered with distinctive black spots across their backs, tails, and dorsal fins. They have a slightly elongated body, a protruding lower jaw, and sharp canine teeth used to capture shrimp and baitfish. Their spotted pattern makes them one of the easiest inshore species to identify.

Habitat

Speckled trout are found throughout Louisiana’s coastal waters, from marsh ponds and estuaries to bays, sounds, and nearshore Gulf waters. They prefer areas with moving water and abundant baitfish and are commonly found around grass beds, oyster reefs, shorelines, and tidal current breaks.

Average Size

Most speckled trout caught in Louisiana weigh between 1 and 4 pounds, although fish over 5 pounds are highly sought after. Trout exceeding 7 pounds are considered trophies, and double-digit fish are extremely rare.

Best Time to Catch

Speckled trout can be caught year-round, but spring and early summer are especially productive as larger fish move into coastal waters to spawn. Fall can also provide excellent fishing as baitfish become concentrated.

Fishing Tips

Spring is one of the best times to target larger speckled trout as fish move closer to shore to spawn. Live shrimp under a popping cork remains one of Louisiana’s most productive techniques, while soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending lures can all be highly effective. Focus on points, reefs, shorelines, and current breaks where baitfish gather.

Louisiana State Record

12.38 pounds — caught by Greg Brandt in Lake Pontchartrain in 2002. This trophy fish remains Louisiana’s state-record speckled trout and highlights the potential for giant trout in the state’s coastal waters.

Fun Fact

A speckled trout’s mouth is lined with sharp canine teeth, giving it a surprisingly aggressive appearance for a fish many people associate with inshore fishing.