Captain's Note:
For shear numbers the seatrout is our most popular fish. Seatrout are good fighters and better once they reach 24" or so and quite easy to catch year round. It's not uncommon to catch a seatrout on practically every cast when conditions are normal. A favorite fly fishing method is stalking them when they gather in sand depressions on the grass flats. Just watch those fangs when handling!
Description:
Seatrout have an elongated body with a large mouth. The lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw which has two prominent canine teeth. The seatrout has two dorsal fins. The scales are rough on the body but smooth on the head. Silver color with olive-green tints on the back and numerous small black dots which extend over second dorsal fin and into tail.
Avg. Size:
16-20", max. 36"
Distribution:
Throughout the entire Gulf Coast.
Habitat:
Shallow coastal areas near sandy and mud bottoms. Abundant in bays and estuaries.
Behavior:
Gregarious species that form larger groups during the reproductive season. In the summer months they tend to gather at mouths of bays and rivers to find food. In the winter seatrout tend to vacate bays.
Diet:
Crustaceans, shrimp, small fish.
Fishing Techniques:
Flyfishing, light tackle, wading, drift fishing, bottom fishing. Many flies and artificial baits work well, such as sardine, mullet and shrimp imitations. Mouth is very delicate and is easily torn by hooks.
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