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Speckled Trout Fishing Charters

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Fishing in Galveston

Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Jetties & Jaws: Reel In The Fun

100% (32)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Galveston

Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Galveston Inshore Trip

100% (12)
26 ft 1 - 6 People $$
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Fishing in Aransas Pass

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Aransas Pass

Flats And Backwaters On Artificials

95% (22)
23 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Classic

89% (9)
27 ft 1 - 4 People $
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Fishing in Ingleside

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Ingleside

Bay Fishing Trip - 23’ Haynie

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 6 People $$
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Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Blitz: Half-Day Dash

100% (3)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$

Most Popular Types of Speckled Trout Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Speckled Trout Fishing Charters

Fishing in South Padre Island
Fishing in South Padre Island
Fishing in South Padre Island
trip description for SPI Classic in South Padre Island

Climb aboard with Captain Aaron and experience the thrill of some seriously top-notch shallow water fishing! Aside from the ship channels, the water is no more than 6’ deep, making it a great fishery for families and novice anglers who would like to avoid choppy waters. Captain Aaron will guide you to some inshore honey holes and flats that will allow you to try your hand at either bait fishing or sightfishing! The species you can expect to target using this technique are Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Flounder. For these trips, Captain Aaron uses his 20' Shallow Sport, which has a crasy shallow draft and sneak into the skinniest of water! Make sure to bring a valid Texas Fishing License as well as food and drinks of your choice. Other than that, Captain Aaron will provide the rest. He will provide all lures, rods, reels, and tackle. Bring your kids or your angling buddies and head out to a fishing adventure to remember with Captain Aaron! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

SPI Classic

75% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
trip description for Galveston Trout and Redfish Roundup in Galveston

Get out there and enjoy an unforgettable inshore fishing adventure in Galveston, Texas, with Captain Dean as your guide! On this trip, you'll get to experience the thrill of reeling in classic saltwater game fish, including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and more. These fish are all super fun to catch, and make for great eating as well. You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Dean's 24' Triton center console, which is ideal for fishing here in Galveston Bay. Captain Dean's years of experience and expert knowledge of the local fishing spots ensure a successful and enjoyable trip for anglers of all skill levels. Join him for a day of fun, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Galveston Trout And Redfish Roundup

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in South Padre Island
Fishing in South Padre Island
Fishing in South Padre Island
trip description for 4-Hour Inshore - 30’ Triton in South Padre Island

If you’ve never been fishing around South Padre Island, then you’re missing out! And if you want to explore it in style, hop aboard Captain Henry's 30' Triton for a relaxing yet action-packed day out on the water! Capt. Henry is a super-knowledgeable fisherman, who not only knows how to have a good time but also knows all the best honey holes to whack the big three: Redfish, Trout, and Flounder! You'll be fishing aboard his badass 30ft Triton Center Console so you'll have no trouble cutting through light chop, and fishing days when the wind is blowing. She also provides a comfortable head (restroom) on board so you don't have to worry about hauling back to the dock in case of emergency! Captain Henry will provide you with all the quality rods, reels, and tackle you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. His also has tons of shade, tons of seating, and tons of room, so you can relax with your favorite beverage while you wait for your reel to start whirring! Make sure you bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as some snacks of your choice, and Captain Henry will take care of the rest. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

4-Hour Inshore - 30’ Triton

100% (9)
30 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
trip description for Coastal Bend Inshore Slam in Port Aransas

Let Captain Alex be your guide to some of the top fishing locations on Texas' long, beautiful Gulf coast. Captain Alex is based out of Port Aransas, but he fishes all the water in the Coastal Bend, from Aransas Pass down to Corpus Chisti Bay. He specializes in rod-and-reel techniques for catching Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Drum, and Flounder, and will provide all the equipment and bait you'll need for the ideal inshore fishing adventure. All you need is your Fishing License, proper clothing, some sunscreen, and a cooler for your cold drinks. You'll be fishing aboard his 23' Majek center console, a fast boat powered by a 200-HP Evinrude engine. Captain Alex knows this water well, and he'll put you on top of some terrific fishing spots. Depending on the area and the species, you'll use a combination of live bait and lures on light tackle to bring in the fish. Alex is extremely knowledgeable and can certainly help you practice your cast or tell you about fish behavior and ecology. Captain Alex's chartered fishing trips provide a great way to get out on the water and relax on the Bay with your family, friends or co-workers on that special outing! So head out with Captain Alex to make some memories worth making! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas

Coastal Bend Inshore Slam

100% (8)
23 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
trip description for Gulf Coast Bites by the Shore in Gulf Shores

Enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water with Captain Jamie and spend several hours targeting Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel and plenty of other nearshore species that call Gulf Shores home. You'll be fishing aboard a 24' Bull's Bay bay boat with a capacity for 4 people. She'll have no problem getting you to where the fish are biting comfortably, quickly, and without the diesel fumes to boot! This sleek vessel comes with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, and an Ice Box to store your keepers. Captain Jamie will provide all rods, reels, tackle, live bait and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, and any snacks or drinks you might need. Captain Jamie will do the rest! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Gulf Coast Bites By The Shore

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Rockport
Fishing in Rockport
Fishing in Rockport
trip description for Half Day Bay Adventure in Rockport

Get on the water with Captain Brody to catch big Reds, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, and Flounder around Rockport! Captain Brody is a true pro, and has all the tackle you need for whatever fishing suits your fancy! Your journey will start on a restored 23’ Mowdy bay boat. It can sit up to 5 guests and uses a 150 HP Suzuki engine. It’s got all the modern GPS, fishfinder, and radio technology for navigation, a livewell to supply you with live bait, and an ice-box to store your fish and drinks. Bring whatever drinks and food you want for your half-day adventure, a Texas fishing license, and let Captain Brody take care of the rest! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Rockport

Half Day Bay Adventure

100% (8)
23 ft 1 - 5 People $$
See All Speckled Trout Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a speckled trout fishing charter

What are the best speckled trout fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 872 speckled trout trips, and the most popular trips are Jetties & Jaws: Reel in the Fun guided by Meghan, Galveston Inshore Trip guided by Ralph, and Flats and Backwaters on Artificials guided by Larry.

Our guides are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 2568 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly speckled trout guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly speckled trout guides.

What types of speckled trout fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for speckled trout as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but drift fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.

How much do speckled trout fishing charters cost?

for speckled trout prices can range anywhere from about $500 to $1,100, but the average price for a half day trip for speckled trout is $648. The average price for a full day trip for speckled trout is $1,041.

What month is best for speckled trout fishing?

The most popular season for speckled trout fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 13 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for speckled trout and what are the bag limits for speckled trout?

See here for more information on speckled trout fishing licenses, speckled trout bag limits, and fishing season regulations for speckled trout. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right speckled trout rules and regulations.

What is a Speckled Trout

The Spotted Seatrout, Speckled Trout, or "Speck" (Cynoscion nebulosus) is a sport fish species that frequents inshore waters ranging from Massachusetts, down the East Coast, and around the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula.

They are characterized by distinct black spots along their back and dorsal fins, surprisingly large teeth, and bright yellow skin on the inside of their mouths.

Contrary to popular belief given their name and resemblance, the speckled trout is a member of the drum family, not the freshwater trout family.

How big do Speckled Trout get?

The size of speckled trout largely depends on their sex. The average weight for males and females is between 1-2 pounds, but in many areas, fish weighing up to 5 pounds are common. The average male speckled trout is around 19 inches long, while the average female is around 25 inches long. Females grow quicker and larger than males, and can live to be 10 years old, more than double the average age for males.

What is the biggest Speckled Trout ever caught?

The current International Game Fish Association, or IFGA, all-tackle world record was set in 2015 on the Indian River flats near Melbourne on the east coast of Florida. The specimen weighed in at 17.7 pounds, and was 34.25 inches long, over 10 centimeters longer than the previous record set in 1995. The fish was caught using live mullet on a light spinning rod.

Large female trophy trout are often referred to as "gator trout" or "gators" depending on local vernacular.

Where is the best place to catch speckled trout?

Speckled trout are an estuarine fish, meaning that they live in the inshore waters typically located between the mainland and barrier islands. In temperate climates, speckled trout typically frequent water less than 10 feet deep. Look for grass beds, oyster bars, mud flats, and stump fields. During the winter months and after cold fronts, speckled trout seek refuge from the cold water in deeper channels and basins, and follow baitfish into the shallows wherever present. Don't be afraid to go shallow! Often the biggest "gators" are caught in water waist-deep or shallower.

As a general rule of thumb, look out for areas where the trout can ambush their prey. Grass beds, depressions in the coastline, areas where the current breaks and slows, and underwater structure located in basins and channels produce the best results. Irregularities in the water's surface and birds flying overhead are dead giveaways of bait activity, and are often a good indicator of where the trout are.

You can catch speckled trout in any inshore fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, and going up the Atlantic coast of Florida and into North Carolina. While they're present in Chesapeake Bay, their numbers dwindle as you go further north. Locations like Matagorda and Laguna Madre in Texas and Calcasieu Lake in Louisiana are trophy trout havens.

When should I catch Speckled Trout

One of the great things about fishing for speckled trout is they can be caught year round. Even better yet, when the winter comes around and other fish head for deeper waters, speckled trout remain in the easily accessible shallows. In the winter time, be on the lookout for an overcast day, especially in areas with clear water. Specks, especially big ones, feed more actively in low-light conditions.

In the winter, big trout aren't afraid to chase their prey into the shallowest of waters. If you're duck hunting, odds are there are big trout right under the surface. Big trout can be caught in the summer near the mouths of tidewater drainage creeks. They tend to seek refuge from the heat in grass beds and deeper holes, so be on the lookout for these when fishing during a hot summer day.

How do you catch Speckled Trout

Techniques for catching speckled trout vary greatly given location, weather/tidal patterns, and time of year. Speckled trout generally feed when tidal movement moves baitfish, so keeping an eye on tidal charts is a must. Catching the outgoing tide is a great start.

Speckled trout fishing can be done by boat, from the shore, or wading in the shallows. There are pros and cons with each of them. Using a shallow flats boat, a silent trolling motor or a pole to move through the water allows you to cover more water, but leaves the possibility of spooking the fish. Fishing from the shore or a pier is simple and easy, but you won't have access to the prime backwater fishing grounds. Wading allows you to maintain a low profile and stalk your quarry, but requires extra equipment and you won't cover as much water.

Lures and baits for speckled trout vary as well. For big "gator trout", it's tough to beat shrimp and mullet (dead or alive) under a popping cork. Varying the retrieve on a popping cork simulates live action of your bait. For those looking for artificial action, jigged artificial plastics work well, especially in deeper waters. For the lure fisherman, Corky's, Heddon Zara Spooks and spoons do the trick. A slow retrieve imitating a dying baitfish produces the best results.

Once you hook up, don't try to muscle the fish in. Keep the drag tight and let her tire out. Once you land her, grab the caudal (tail) fin and support the fish just behind the gills. Snap a pic, and put her back in the water until she swims away. The big trout are female breeders, and releasing them safely ensures more big trout for years to come.

Are Speckled Trout good to eat? What are the best Speckled Trout recipes?

Speckled trout make for excellent table fare. Famous chef Emeril Lagasse once said speckled trout is the best eating fish in North America, and for good reason. The meat is often characterized as flaky and white, with a sweet and buttery finish. This flavor profile makes speckled trout a very versatile fish to cook. The most common way to cook speckled trout is to bread the filets and fry them. From there, you can finish it off with a garlic lemon sauce, throw some capers in the mix for a briny taste, or top it off with a creole sauce like Emeril's recipe.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Our trip with Anthony totally exceeded our expectations. From the moment we met him we knew we were in for a wonderful experience. His equipment is all first class and his knowledge of the back bay is extensive. After putting us on many fish and constant action, we were able to catch a beautiful snook for the dinner table and a fish that was a trophy fish of a lifetime. He then suggested a local restaurant and suggestions on how to prepare our catch. The ambiance, service and food preparation was the best meal of our entire trip. We would highly recommend Captain Anthony Abate and love to spend more time with him whenever possible.

    Grant F. with Anthony A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian W. with Hank V. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Shawn did a great job on a tough day. Really enjoyed the experience!

    Eric . with Shawn S. of Bon Secour, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    We started the morning with very high winds but Capt Bryce managed to still put us on some fish. Great Job! Great time! I will be using him again! Highly recommended!

    Troy S. with Bryce W. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Very professional service. Meghan coordinated every detail and captain Burke was a great captain and got us on fish.

    Thomas O. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Charles gave us a trip of a lifetime. This trip will be hard to beat. Great patient knowledgeable guide.

    Gwen P. with Charles B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Ruben is an experienced captain and put us on the fish on a slow day.

    John B. with Ruben S. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Whenever I'm in Galveston or Houston for conventions group of us charters a fishing trip. Charles put us on fish and we put a variety of species in the boat...no limits, but fishing was steady. He unhooked and baited us up all day.. We typically fish CC to Pt Isabel in the Laguna Madre 15 or more times a year and boat 50 plus Trout each limits oof reds drum and flounder. We are experienced and I have a 23' Shoalwater and have fished the area since I was 10 years old. I have won numerous inshore tournaments inncluding THe Pt A DSR twice and Pt Mansfiield Tournament. over the years. Capt Charles knows the water and we found working bait... ifyou got baitfish... you have preditors. Great trip. Buster Williams

    Everett W. with Charles B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Super friendly guide who worked his tail off for us.

    Shawn C. with Lg B. of Texas City, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip with Bobby!

    Moriah B. with Bobby C. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day lots if wind. Still found fish, had a blast Chandler is an excellent guide coming back for more Tarpon

    Paul G. with Chandler W. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. James’ excellent customer care and service was only exceeded by his fishing and boating knowledge. We felt safe and well cared for on a two day trip where both days exceeded our expectations! We experienced great numbers of fish caught, which was exactly what we asked him to provide us! Kudos to a genuinely nice young man who damn sure knows how to help you catch fish and have fun! Good boat and equipment as well. 5 stars easy!

    Patrick M. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Greg was great fun. Who knew redfish got that big! Thanks for the memories!

    Kay T. with Greg G. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Marty was awesome. Extremely knowledgeable. We were all novices, but he took his time. Explained what he was doing, where we were, had some awesome stories to tell. Our guide also cancelled on us, and Marty was assigned to us by the site. I called to cancel because he was over an hour drive away, but he came to pick us up for a little gas money. What an experience. Great price. Don’t hesitate!

    Joshua J. with Marty C. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mark at Captain experiences was great put us rite on the trout we must have caught 50 and hit our limit I would defiantly recocomend captain experiences to all my fishing buddy's thanks captain experiences 👍✝️🙏

    Kenny H. with Mark H. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    It was great, we limited to quick thank you

    Tomas C. with Toby S. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with Capt. Justen. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We caught a good mixed bag of fish and hope to go fishing with him again.

    Austin N. with Justen S. of Hitchcock, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Highly recommend Capt Brody. Good day of fishing and he is great with the kids.

    Steve R. with Brody J. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Bobby was an excellent guide. He put us on fish and he baited out lines and took the fish off. He was a good conversationalist and provided good information about the local area. Will definitely try and book him again when we return.

    Robert T. with Bobby C. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David was a great guide. I had a good time and got to land some really nice fish. Thank you.

    Curtis H. with David L. of Aransas Pass, Texas

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