Speckled Trout Lures

Speckled Trout fishing on the Texas Gulf Coast can be a fun and rewarding experience, but only if you actually catch fish. Here are a few helpful hints about different baits and how and when to use them.

We use a variety of different soft bodied baits when fishing for Speckled Trout, Shrimp tails, shad tails, eels, etc. Different situations call for different tactics. It takes a few tries to find out what works best under certain conditions. Factors include water color, water clarity, wind direction and wind speed.

The number one lure by far is the soft plastic. It consists of a lead jig head and a soft rubber body that can mimic shad, shrimp, minnow, or sand eel. The jig head itself has many different styles and several weights ranging from 1/16 ozto as much as 1/2 oz. The size of the jig head used is usually determined by the depth of the water as well as current flow. As for the body, it is usually up to the angler as to what specific style to throw. However, as the oldtimers say, it is better if you can “match the hatch”. If you know what the fish are feeding on, that’s what you want to throw.

Color isdefinitelythe key factor. You will need about 6 different color patterns to suit the various water conditions. If you are fishing clear waters, blue or green,use a colorful bait such as reds and amber. In slightly off color water, sandy green or ice tea, Limetreuse and pearl work well. In dirty or stained water throw dark colors such as morning glory (black with metal flake) and red shad (dark red and black mix). Of course their are many variations of these baits as well and many baits have a Chartreuse or Fire tail to accent the color and action.

To work these baits properly, I would suggest a 6′ 5″ light action rod with a reel suitable for 150 yds of 12 pound line. Tie a 12″ leader of 20 lb line to a #12 barrel swivel to prevent line twist. Connectyour jig head with a loop knot to allow more action. Cast yourline out and retrieve it back by bumping the lure 1-3 times along the bottom and reeling in the slack. Be sure to keep tension on the lure as you reach the top of your retrieve as many times the fish will strike as the lure is falling. Vary your retrieve style and speed until you can find what works best.

Use these different approaches to find and catch more fish and don’t forget to try different techniques and change your retrieve style until you find what works the best for you that day. And remember most of all, be safe, and as always, “Go Fish”!

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