Catching Big Speckled Trout Means Big Planning

Fishing for Speckled Trout in the spring is great. The weather has not yet gotten hot and the fish are feeding well and competition for baitfish has not yet become a factor. However, this year may be the year that you consider stepping up your Speckled Trout fishing approach with a plan. That’s right, a plan! You heard it right the first time. This should be the spring that you hit the water with both mind and soul ready to catch those big Specs that you’ve been hearing your buddies talk about for years. This year will be your year to tell big fish stories too.

1. First off, if you’re looking to fish for the “big” Specs you need to realize the big Specs are different when it comes to catching them. This means you need to fish where the big fish are. Most of the time, the bigger Specs are not in the schools with the small ones, but they are never far away. The big trout can be found near two separate places and that’s their shelter and where they feed.

2. Do all you can not to alarm the Speckled Trout that’s nearby. This is everything from your boat motor, a cooler lid slamming, talking or an anchor bumping on the deck. Talking is like a fire alarm to a big Spec. This also includes your boat bottom scraping on the oyster shells and a lure repeatedly splashing in the water. You can’t get too quiet!

3. Big baits mean big Specs. Now I know that this sounds simple, but many anglers can appreciate the importance of this. A Spec had rather wait on a big bait that continues to chase what will be a small bite for him. Try to use the bigger baits and lures whenever possible.

4. Find your spot and stay there. Constant or any movement for that matter will nearly always spook the Specs. Anchor in a position so that you can cast in a complete circle in order not spook the fish with the constant splashing of your lure or bait. The deeper water is the best. These fish are oftentimes down in the water and looking up at the smaller Specs and bait fish.

5. Make sure your gear is ready before you get on the boat. Be rigged and ready. Again, be conscious of movement. Also, if you’re going for the bigger fish you may need to have a slightly heavier line or leader. Use at least a 7’ rod for the longer casting you’ll be doing.

6. Reduce the number of people on the boat. The fewer the people on the boat, the less noise. It’s hard to maintain a circular casting system with more than 2 people fishing on the same boat. When it gets up to 4 people on the boat it has just become a circus.