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Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout are members of the drum family and one of Alabama's most important inshore game fish. These fish are designated as game fish in Alabama, meaning no commercial harvest is allowed. In 2019, Alabama anglers caught nearly 1.

2 million spotted seatrout with about 75% released alive.

Scientific Name: Cynoscion nebulosus

Also known as speckled trout, specks

Physical Characteristics:
  • Easily identified by distinctive black spots scattered along their silvery upper body and fins, prominent canine teeth, and an elongated body with a pointed snout.
  • In Alabama waters, males average 11.8 inches at 1 year and 17 inches at 5 years, while females grow larger, averaging 13 inches at 1 year and 23 inches at 5 years.
  • The Alabama state record is 12 pounds 4 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays throughout Alabama's coastal region.

Key Locations

  • Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and Perdido Bay.

Specific Spots

  • Around submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, grass flats, oyster reefs, grass beds, bridge pilings, and channel edges.

Spotted Seatrout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Seatrout in Alabama?

3-inch Gulp Shrimp on a 1/4-ounce jig head (particularly in white with chartreuse tail), 4-inch Bass Assassin Sea Shad in glow/chartreuse tail, chartreuse, new penny, and red/gold shiner colors on 1/4-ounce jig heads, Rapala X-Rap Extreme Action Slashbaits (jerk baits) in pilchard and ghost colors, Johnson Sprite...

When is the best time to fish for Spotted Seatrout in Alabama?

Spotted seatrout can be caught year-round in Alabama, with spring and fall typically providing the best action. During warmer months target shallow areas, in fall and winter fish move to deeper areas.

How do you catch Spotted Seatrout in Alabama?

Use hard jerks with pauses for jerk baits. Fish around structure. Look for feeding birds indicating baitfish schools. Best fishing occurs during moving tides. Consider trailing flies behind plugs as a secret technique.

What do Spotted Seatrout eat?

Their diet shifts with size - small specks feed on grass shrimp and copepods, while adults consume shrimp and larger fish, with larger specimens feeding more heavily on fish than shrimp.

Where do Spotted Seatrout live in Alabama?

Inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays throughout Alabama's coastal region.

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Alabama licenses and regulations

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