Sea trout have always been a target of local anglers, mostly as a food source but rarely by fishermen seeking a trophy. Most would rather target redfish, snook and larger species like tarpon and kingfish. The average Gulf coast trout weighs in at about 2 pounds and doesn’t put much of a bend in a light fly or spinning rod. Larger trout are harder to find, are much warier, and a worthy adversary on any tackle.
In the early 80s, it wasn’t uncommon to catch an 8-pound trout during the late winter and early spring. By the mid-80s, a large trout was hard to capture on any tackle. The net ban that was enacted in 1995 gave anglers great hope for a resurgence in trout populations. The net ban helped restore trout populations, but the anticipated resurgence of trout proved uneven at best. In the last few years, catching larger trout from 4-6 pounds has been a real possibility for conventional and fly anglers who are patient.
Traditionally, the best time to target trout is during the months of March, April and May. The months of December through February can also be good options for trout as they forage for food during the lean winter season. In late summer, late outgoing tides on the full and new moons can also produce some large specimens.
Sight fishing trout requires a stealthy approach. A wading angler moving too quickly through the water or rocking an approaching boat while casting can spook trout. For any measure of success, move extremely slowly and avoid any errant sounds like a push pole hitting the boat or a rustling anchor chain that will telegraph an angler’s presence.
Flats with healthy grass beds with white sand holes and edges provide cover and forage for baitfish, shrimp and mullet, and are prime habitat for large trout. When picking a fly or plug, try to mimic the prevalent forage food. In local estuaries and the open bay, mullet may be the dominant food source, but trout are opportunists and will pursue glass minnows, shrimp, pilchards and other available food sources. The pattern varies depending on the season and water temperatures. During times of low visibility and low tides, anglers can move their efforts to the deeper edges of flats, the drop-offs into rivers and bays and the deep edges of oyster bars.
Fly leaders should be long and tapered (up to 12 feet) with no more than a 30-pound bite tippet. I prefer a premium 20-pound fluorocarbon bite tippet. While it’s possible to catch big trout on a larger tippet, I think the smaller diameter is best for the biggest and wariest trout. Your approach, even on foot, is very important. One of my favorite ways to hunt big trout is with a top water plug or popper. Plugs and noisy poppers can actually scare big trout when the sun is high, but are deadly early in the morning and just before dark. When wading, shuffle your feet and move slowly to avoid a pressure wave. Fly fishers need to be stealthy and avoid disturbing the water when lifting the line for another cast. Every advantage is necessary in the hunt for big trout.
This is a game in which anglers may have to cover a lot of water. When fishing for trout, never run the flats, looking instead for surface action, including schools of baitfish, mullet and diving seabirds. Top producing flies include the Clouser Deep Minnows, Lefty’s Deceivers and top water poppers like the Garthside Gurgler. Some of my favorite plugs are the Heddon “Zara Spook,” the MirrOlure “Top Dog” and the Rebel “Jumping Minnow.”
Now might not be “prime” time to target trout in local water, but it’s a good time to perfect your approach. Many of the trout you catch will be unwanted and undersized, so remember to handle with care and release them quickly. Release them in the water if possible and always wet your hands if you handle them. Trout might not be glamorous but they are a worthy adversary for local anglers. Always remember to check regulations before keeping any fish.
