Spotted seatrout, or speckled trout, can be found along the coasts of the southern United States, spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to the coastal Atlantic Ocean. They thrive in a variety of inshore waters, ranging from shallow flats to coastal rivers, seeking shelter during colder weather. While their primary concentration is along the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida, they also inhabit regions in North and South Carolina, Virginia, and occasionally as far north as Delaware Bay. Speckled trout prefer water temperatures between 59 °F and 86 °F and are typically found in waters with salinities between 5 and 35 ppt.
During winter, speckled trout migrate to deeper offshore waters, returning to estuaries and coastal areas during the spring and summer months. This cyclical movement ensures optimal conditions for feeding, spawning, and survival.
The spotted seatrout, a member of the drum family (Sciaenidae), is characterized by its distinctive features and wide range of common names. It possesses prominent canine teeth and an elongated, soft dorsal fin with scales. Unlike some of its relatives, the spotted seatrout does not have any chin barbels. Its back showcases scattered spots, including the dorsal and caudal fins, and in stained water, it may exhibit a golden hue. With an average size ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 kg (1.1 to 2.2 lb), although larger specimens weighing up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) are not uncommon, this species has captivated anglers with its beauty and size. In fact, gator trout is a nickname often used for particularly large individuals.
The diet of speckled trout evolves as they grow. Juveniles predominantly consume shrimp and other crustaceans, gradually transitioning to a fish-based diet as they mature. Larger trout exhibit a preference for fish, with mullet being a favored prey item. It is not unusual to witness a sizable trout targeting a mullet nearly half its size or larger, displaying the species' voracious feeding behavior.
Spotted seatrout engage in spawning during a long season that spans from spring through summer. Male trout produce a "drumming" sound to attract females, a behavior characteristic of the drum family. After hatching, larval seatrout rapidly grow, reaching a length of 5-7 mm within two weeks and approximately 170-200 mm within seven months. The growth rate varies with individual fish, taking one to two years to reach 300 mm (about 12 inches) and two to three years to reach 400 mm (about 16 inches) in length. The maximum recorded age for this species is estimated to be around 12 years, although most regularly caught individuals are between four and five years old.
Spotted seatrout fishing is a popular recreational activity, significantly surpassing commercial harvests. Hook and line methods are commonly employed, as gillnet fishing for this species has been prohibited in many areas. According to the NOAA, speckled trout ranks among the top ten species targeted by recreational fishermen in the United States. Notably, Louisiana alone witnessed an annual harvest of over six million spotted seatrout between 1993 and 2003, while the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia saw recreational anglers catching over half a million speckled trout each year from 2005 to 2008. The resilience of their populations has resulted in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch listing spotted seatrout as a "best choice" for sustainable seafood in Louisiana and Florida.
While the management of spotted seatrout primarily revolves around size and possession limits, ongoing initiatives aim to enhance knowledge regarding the species' overall health and abundance. By monitoring these factors, conservation efforts can be implemented effectively, ensuring the long-term sustainability of speckled trout populations.