Damn Good Speckled Trout Fishing Charters

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Speckled Trout Fishing Charters

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

Fishing Fun In The Florida Sun

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Gulf Breeze

Pensacola Bay Fly Fishing

100% (7)
21 ft 1 - 3 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Lake, Flats in New Orleans

Trout And Redfish Full Bite

NEW
19 ft 1 - 3 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Fort Myers Beach

FMB Fishing Trip

100% (3)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Cape Coral

Fun Day Fishing In Southwest Florida

NEW
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $500
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Lafitte

6 Hours Fishing Trip

NEW
127 ft 1 - 8 People From $500
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Everything to Know About Booking a speckled trout fishing charter

What are the best speckled trout fishing charters?

Why should I book a speckled trout fishing charter with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1021 speckled trout trips, and the most popular trips are Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip guided by , Epic Jetty Trip - 21' Mako guided by , and Galveston Jetty Roundup guided by .

Our guides are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 3995 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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 type of fishing 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 bottom fishing and drift fishing are popular as well.

How much do speckled trout fishing charters cost?

Prices for speckled trout can range anywhere from about $550 to $1,500, but the average price for a half day trip for speckled trout is $784. The average price for a full day trip for speckled trout is $1,151.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for speckled trout fishing?

The most popular season for speckled trout fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 14 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide, friendly, helpful and an excellent fisherman. I came looking for bone and permit and caught both. A number 1; could not have asked for more.

    William R. | February 13, 2025

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Ben was amazing! A cold front moved in, temps plumetted, it didnt look good. We laid into 2 tarpon, about 30 jacks, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and many others. He is a great captain with lots of knowledge. I will book with him again.

    Michael D. | January 13, 2025

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Larry was an absolute rock star!! My previous reservation fell through with another company and he gladly cleared his schedule to take my son and I on our first inshore fishing trip. Lots of fun, education and fish activity. We will definitely be booking with him again.

    Erik P. | January 12, 2025

    Trip: Backwaters Catch and Release

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day on the water. Captain Mike was very friendly and knowledgeable. Consistently had us on fish. Limited out on trout in the first hour, and ended up catching a trophy drum. Definitely recommend mike to guide your next fishing adventure.

    Justin V. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: "Trout Man Mike" Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Tommy is the man! We fished the tail end of a storm today in not ideal conditions and he put me on em! We stacked up a limit of drum, tons of sheepshead, and two big bull reds in a half day trip (on what he described as an “off day” for Calcasieu. I can only imagine what an “on day” looks like…)

    Attison B. | December 29, 2024

    Trip: Louisiana Inshore Classic

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars!! He was awesome and really tried to get on some fish. We learned so much and he answered all out questions and even non-fishing questions.about the area, history of Galveston, area attractions etc. He was amazing and we are so thankful we had this experience with Captain Shannon.

    Sherri M. | December 21, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Jetty Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Larry is awesome. Learned so much from him and caught a bunch of fish in the process. Would recommend to anyone

    Trenton D. | December 15, 2024

    Trip: Flats and Backwaters on Artificials

  • ★★★★★
    Got out with Mitch for a buddy's bachelor party and had an absolute blast! Some of the guys hadn't fished in a while (or at all) but Mitch was super patient in showing them the ropes. Mitch fishes super high quality tackle, had plenty of bait, and the boat was running smooth. We ripped it to a number of spots from surf fishing outside the jetties to countless inshore spots. We missed a few bites but had an awesome time, thanks Mitch! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip Clems Marina

  • ★★★★★
    Fished with Nino while down for a bachelor party and had an absolute blast. Many of the guys hadn't fished in a while but Nino showed em the ropes and had high quality tackle and plenty of bait. Put us on a nice flounder and countless specks. Thank Nino, will be back soon! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Tejas Fishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We were down fishing with Chris for a buddy's bachelor party and had an awesome time out there. Chris warned us ahead of time that conditions were tough, but we decided to brave the elements. Chris took us around to multiple spots all across West Bay. He put us on countless trout under the birds before we had to make it back. Will be back and can't wait, thanks Chris! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Inshore Hookfest

  • ★★★★★
    We got out with Capt. Mike on my buddy's bachelor party and had a time and a half! We had guys that fish and lot and some that hadn't fished in a while. Mike was great with everyone and put us on redfish, black drum, and some nice speckled trout even though conditions were pretty tough. Will be back down to see you soon! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: "Trout Man Mike" Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Had an outstanding time and look forward to the next trip. Great captain and an awesome guy !

    Robert G. | December 1, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Jetty Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    Randy was great. He put us onto fish on a day when no one was catching. He was very knowledable and we had a great time.

    Matthew S. | November 14, 2024

    Trip: Aransas Pass Wade or Drift

  • ★★★★★
    Such a great experience! The captain had a great attitude and was really fun. The weather was a little off and very windy, but he still made everything fun. I appreciated his knowledge of the waterways and taking us through some different parts of the inshore areas. It was fun to see the shoreline from the water and we even hooked a few fish despite the weather. The whole group had a fantastic experience and I will be booking with Captain Bill again!

    Kathleen K. | October 28, 2024

    Trip: Jacksonville Inshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Ruben was amazing! He knew the areas to go to catch fish, but we got so much more. We saw dolphins swimming, learned more about the area, and caught so many fish! His recommendations for where to take our fish for dinner was also great! We will book another trip with him!

    Stan A. | October 27, 2024

    Trip: Laguna Madre Shallows Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had a great time with Blake. There were definitely enough fish biting to keep my son's attention for the 4 hour trip.

    Andrea M. | October 21, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Bay Trophy Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Wind and moon wasn't in our favor. Gabriel worked hard to get us on the scattered fish

    Roland H. | October 19, 2024

    Trip: Coastal Bend Honey Holes

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time!! Our captain was great!! We will absolutely do this again!!

    Linda B. | October 13, 2024

    Trip: Half-Day Trip (Matagorda TX)

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Kenny was great and deck hand. He really worked hard for us finding fish on a pretty rough water day stayed fishing till bait was used up and even cut bait for us so we could keep fishing had a great time look forward to our next trip at the end of the month.

    Troy S. | October 8, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Bay Jetty Run

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time fishing with Kevin. He was very friendly and helpful. We caught a lot of fish and had a great time.

    Brian U. | September 15, 2024

    Trip: Baffin / Laguna Madre Trip

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