Sea Trout Fishing in Bradenton, Florida
Spotted sea trout, also known as speckled trout, are one of the most popular inshore game fish in the Bradenton area. They are abundant, relatively easy to catch, and provide great table fare. Whether you’re fishing the grass flats at sunrise or casting soft plastics in deeper potholes, sea trout offer consistent action year-round for novice and experienced anglers alike.
Where to Catch Sea Trout
In the Bradenton area, sea trout are commonly found:
Over grass flats with 2–6 feet of water depth
In sandy potholes, troughs, and channels on the flats
Near oyster bars, creek mouths, and current edges
Trout often school by size—once you find them, you can catch multiple fish in the same area.
Best Time to Fish for Sea Trout
| Season | Sea Trout Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Excellent – large trout active on grass flats and near passes |
| Summer | Good – best early morning and evening, deeper flats productive |
| Fall | Excellent – aggressive feeding behavior as water cools |
| Winter | Fair to Good – concentrate in deeper holes during cold snaps |
Peak Season: March through May & October through December
Tackle & Tips
Rods & Reels: Light to medium spinning gear
Line: 10–15 lb braid with 20 lb fluorocarbon leader
Lures/Bait: Soft plastics on jigheads, popping corks with shrimp, or topwater plugs at dawn and dusk
Techniques: Drift-fishing over grass flats, casting into potholes, or working lures along edges and channels during moving tides
