| Gray trout and spotted seatrout are both very | | | | with season, location, availability and personal |
| popular fish among anglers. Known for their bone | | | | preference. |
| jarring strikes, they among the hardest fighting | | | | In many areas anglers cast lures for seatrout. |
| saltwater fish. In many areas, both species can be | | | | These include soft bodied jigs, bucktails, crank |
| caught. Spotted seatrout tend to be more | | | | baits, plugs and other lifelike lures. The action and |
| common in shallow areas, while gray seatrout, | | | | presentation of lures can be critical, with |
| also known as weakfish often prefer deeper | | | | experience being a key asset for fishermen. |
| areas. | | | | Lures, terminal tackle and knots all need attention |
| Both species of seatrout are members of the | | | | in order handle the stresses of these fish. |
| drum family, which includes spot, red drum, black | | | | Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target spotted |
| drum and Atlantic croaker. Most members of this | | | | and gray seatrout. Fly casters seek out fish |
| family make a drumming or croaking sound by | | | | around grass beds, oyster bars, rock piles, |
| vibrating their swim bladder. | | | | stumps other structures. Saltwater fly patterns |
| Seatrout fishermen use a variety of outfits, | | | | that mimic local baitfish are used most often. |
| depending on the situation. For casting baits or | | | | Anglers that catch seatrout sometimes release |
| lures, most anglers use a spinning outfits in the | | | | the fish unharmed, often tagging the fish before it |
| 12-20 lb range. Other situations such as jigging | | | | is released. Fish destined for release are often |
| require conventional reels. Most seatrout specialists | | | | kept in the water to prevent harming them. |
| choose reels with smooth drags and fish with high | | | | Other anglers keep a few fish for the table. |
| quality lines. | | | | Both spotted seatrout and gray trout are |
| Anglers fish for seatrout with live or cut baits | | | | excellent table fare. The meat is flaky and rich in |
| such as spot, striped mullet, shrimp, peeler or soft | | | | flavor, with a fair amount of oil content. Seatrout |
| crabs, squid and other baits. Preferred baits vary | | | | fillets can be fried, baked, grilled or smoked. |