Sea Trout Fishing in Pensacola, Florida
Spotted sea trout (speckled trout) are a favorite inshore target in Pensacola. These aggressive fish strike both lures and live bait, often on shallow flats or around drop-offs. They’re ideal for light tackle fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Where to Catch Sea Trout
In the Pensacola area, sea trout are found:
Over grass flats and sandy potholes
Near creek mouths and tidal drains
Under dock lights at night
They feed actively at sunrise and sunset, especially during moving tides.
Best Time to Fish for Sea Trout
Season | Sea Trout Activity |
---|---|
Spring | Excellent inshore action on shallow flats |
Summer | Still good, especially early mornings and evenings |
Fall | Big trout move to deeper channels and estuaries |
Peak Season: March through June
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and twitch baits
Bait: Live shrimp, pinfish, or mullet
Leaders: 15–25 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Fish grass flats during moving tides or target structure with bait under a popping cork