The spotted sea trout, Cynoscion nebulosus, is a popular fish that can be found in the Gulf waters inshore and nearshore. In the colder months, the seatrout make their way to deeper waters. On a Naples fishing charter, anglers can find this fish around mangroves, deep holes, channels, and above oyster bars. It’s usually spotted in waters up to 33 feet deep.
Looking to catch this saltwater fish? You can on a Naples fishing charter or a Marco Island fishing charter. As a fishing charter captain, I wanted to share some basic and fun facts about the spotted sea trout, so you’ll know all about the fish you’re aiming to catch (and eat)! Also, it’s important to know the rules about catching sea trout in Florida State waters, so we will provide some sizing/
Below, we wanted to share are some basic and fun facts about mangrove snapper (gray snapper) found Florida State waters:
- Sea trout are dark gray or green above with blue tinges and silvery/white underneath.
- They have black spots on their back and on the dorsal fin and tail.
- They have no scales on the soft dorsal fin.
- They have 1 or 2 prominent canine teeth at the tip of the upper jaw.
- They spawn between March and November.
- They eat shrimp, crabs, mullet, pinfish, pigfish, and baitfish.
- If you catch a trout you don’t want, it’s crucial to return them back to the water immediately. They are very delicate fish and their health can be harmed easily.
- The largest sea trout ever caught in Florida was a 17 lb 7 oz one in Ft. Pierce.
- They are known to be a great eating fish, so you definitely want to keep them (if caught legally)!
- They average 4 pounds in weight but can weigh up to 15 pounds.
- The trout you catch but be between 15 and 20 inches in length in state waters, and a daily bag limit of 4 fish per angler in the Southwest Florida waters.
- Spotted sea trout fishing is allowed year round.
- You’re allowed to catch these fish with a hook and line or cast net.
- They swim in small schools.
- They don’t travel far from the estuaries they were born in.
- They can be found from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re looking for ways to eat some trout, I’ve provided a few recipes below of some ways to prepare trout.
Catch a Spotted Sea Trout on Naples Fishing Charter in Southwest Florida
Want to have some fun out on the water? And catch some sea trout too? Book a Naples fishing charter or Marco Island fishing charter in with Chasin Tales’. Call today at 239-216-0378. For more information about Naples fishing charters and rates, click here.
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