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Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), commonly called speckled trout or specks, are found throughout Mississippi's coastal waters from nearly fresh water in upper estuaries to the Mississippi Sound and out to depths of ~30 feet in the Gulf.

These drum family fish are opportunistic ambush predators that consume both invertebrates and fish. They're schooling species that favor current discontinuities like mouths of water bodies, gullies, trenches, and changes in bottom contour.

Scientific Name: Cynoscion nebulosus

Also known as speckled trout, specks

Physical Characteristics:
  • Have elongated, streamlined bodies with silvery-gray or greenish coloration, distinctive black spots on the upper sides, dorsal fin, and tail, and prominent canine teeth.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Mississippi's coastal waters from nearly fresh water in upper estuaries to the Mississippi Sound and out to depths of ~30 feet in the Gulf.
  • In Mississippi, they're most common along the northern Gulf Coast.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi Sound, Back Bay Biloxi, St.
  • Louis Bay, Biloxi Bay, and the saltwater flats around barrier islands like Horn Islands and Ship Island.

Specific Spots

  • Target grass flats in 2-4 feet of water during high tide, oyster bars, jetties and inlets during tide changes.
  • Focus on shallow bays, lagoons, and channels near grass flats.
  • Prefer areas near seagrasses and saltmarshes adjacent to deep channels.

Spotted Seatrout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Jigheads with soft plastics including 3-inch shrimp patterns, Matrix Shad, and paddle tail baits. Popping corks with live or artificial shrimp underneath. Live shrimp under popping corks.

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

Best fishing occurs from late fall through early spring when fish move into lower-salinity areas, and during summer months when larger fish are active. During pre-spawning (February-early April), they're scattered throughout their range, then move to higher salinity lower bay waters for spawning season.

How do you catch Spotted Seatrout in Mississippi?

Use jigheads with soft plastics - try 1/8 oz jigheads in shallow water under 5 feet, 1/4 oz in creeks up to 10 feet, and 3/8 oz in deeper water 8-20 feet. Popping corks work well over grass flats, oyster beds, and jetty rocks, especially with live or artificial shrimp underneath.

What do Spotted Seatrout eat?

Juveniles primarily eat copepods, mysids, and shrimp, while adults prey on anchovies, pinfish, silversides, mullet, croaker, menhaden, and other baitfish.

Where do Spotted Seatrout live in Mississippi?

Found throughout Mississippi's coastal waters from nearly fresh water in upper estuaries to the Mississippi Sound and out to depths of ~30 feet in the Gulf. In Mississippi, they're most common along the northern Gulf Coast.

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