Falling for Speckled Sea Trout

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Fall is the perfect season to catch Speckled Sea Trout. These fish are one of the most sought after gamefish on the Outer Banks.  And October is the perfect month to begin targeting this species. Their aggressive strike, beautiful appearance and great table fare make them a desirable target. Speckled Sea Trout are members of the drum family which are noted for their drumming or croaking sounds.

They are also aggressive hunters and will feed constantly except while spawning. These fish can grow quickly to over sixteen inches in just two years. It is not unusual for anglers to catch dozens of these fish well into the mid to upper twenty inch range considered “gator trout”.

The prime season for these Speckled Sea Trout is Spring and Fall but they can be found locally almost twelve months a year. They are temperature sensitive and their residency is dependent on their comfort zone. They are known as a migratory species but can remain in one area for months or even the entire season only moving to feed or spawn.

Speckled Sea Trout are creatures of habit and in season can be caught in the deep ocean sloughs just inside the bar along the entire surf zone and adjacent to our ocean fishing piers. Fishing from the surf or one of our many piers or even one of the soundside bridges can give the angler an advantage in recognizing perfect spots to target Speckled Sea Trout.

Other popular shore locations where anglers can find these fish on the Outer Banks are the inshore grass flats, potholes and creek mouths that feed the various sound waters. These areas provide a safe zone where there is good water quality, moderate water temperatures, solid water movement, some structure for safety, and provide many ambush spots.

Their main diet is small bait fish but have been known to attack shrimp and similar natural baits. So the most popular lures are lead head jigs with a plastic swim tail, top water hard baits and popping corks. This species has also been known to take spoons, a bucktail or even Mirro Lures.

The jigging involves the use of a lead head jig with a three or four inch plastic swim tail. The jig is then cast and retrieved using several quick jerks of the rod followed by a pause, allowing the bait to pause or fall. This casting and retrieval is repeated until there is a strike. The strike or hookup usually occurs during the pause or fall phase.

The next technique is using a top water floating or sinking hard bait. The lure is cast out and retrieved. The design of the lure produces a unique darting or swimming action. The quick and erratic nature of the top water lure during the retrieve causes splashing and noise which attracts a trout’s attention. When the strike occurs, it can be violent and fierce as the fish crushes the lure on the surface.

The final method is using a popping cork and is probably the most successful technique for both novice and experienced anglers. The rig is a cork float with a jig or hook with a plastic tail suspended below it. The angler casts it out and will give several quick jerks on the rod causing the cork to jump and make a splashing noise. This splashing mimics another feeding fish.  Other nearby fish will then come to investigate the noise and find an easy meal sinking just below the surface.

Anglers have found that the best gear is a six to a seven foot light medium rod and reel setup. Ten pound braid or fifteen pound monofilament line followed by a twenty pound two foot fluorocarbon leader will give the best results. This setup gives the strength for the hook set, quick retrieval and helps make baits appear natural.

The Fall season is one of the best times for catching Speckled Sea Trout. So whether you prefer to fish on your favorite pier, along the surf zone or on a local bridge, you should be able to find and catch this popular gamefish.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Seasons of Change

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Fishing on the Outer Banks during the Fall transition can produce catches of Puppy Drum, Big Drum, Bluefish, Speckled Sea Trout, Stripers and dozens of other species.

September typically means two things to me – the start of a new school year and Fall fishing. Classrooms and school buses usually get crowded and popular fishing spots become deserted. But just like school, there are many lessons to be learned when fishing between the Summer and then into the Fall on the Outer Banks.

Summer fishing is a lot like swinging in a hammock. You find a seat in the shade on the pier or maybe under an umbrella on the surf.  You cast your bottom rig out and wait for something to come by and take it. Summer fishing is usually very slow and kind of easy going. There are always plenty of small bottom fish to keep you busy. So as you can see those lazy summer fishing days are a lot like swinging on that hammock. Not real exciting nor is there a lot of interruptions but still a lot of fun.

Fall fishing on the other hand is where those summer lessons are put to the test. The Fall species that move into our waters can be very large and aggressive and fast.  These fish are aware that their main food source will be scarce in the coming months so they must feed aggressively.

The Florida pompano and Spanish Mackerel will be leaving for warmer waters soon and two of our most popular fall visitors will be taking their place. The Norfolk Spot and Atlantic croaker are a huge draw on the local piers in the fall. The Norfolk “Spot Run” occurs in mid to late September. During these runs, it is easy to fill a cooler in a matter of hours.

A short time later we see an increased bite of our favorite native sea mullet, speckled sea trout, mixed puppy drum and bluefish as well as the prized big red drum and many other traditional species such as flounder, sheepshead, sharks and rays and many others.

When fishing in the Summer we typically use light to medium gear. In the Fall season with the onslaught of huge and aggressive species moving in, we need to consider the use of stiffer and heavier gear. Larger rods, heavier reels, more stout lines and of course stronger rigs.

We also need to think about how we present our baits. Fresh shrimp, finger mullet or cut baits are your best bets this time of year. Some anglers will stay with the very popular fishbites artificial bait which have been very productive, sand fleas, and some even go with artificials and metals. But the key is the action and presentation of your retrieves. This action must match the feeding preferences of your target.

Weather in the fall is very unpredictable. Outer Banks environment can be brutal on anglers and gear. Preparation is key to a successful outing.

Now is the time to prepare. Our local tackle shops, piers, many of our media outlets and of course my website can help make this year’s fishing experience one to remember.

Fishing in the Fall on one of the local piers, bridges or the surf can be one of most enjoyable times. Many anglers travel hundreds of miles just to fish this time of year in our waters. Will you be joining us this year?

Captain’s Tip – always keep a light tackle rod set with you at all times in the fall. Hot action with a light rod and big fish are what memories are made of.

Watch for more fall fishing, gear and techniques.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Fishing the Baum Bridge

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There are many places to fish on the Outer Banks in the heat of the summer but none better than the pier under the Washington Baum Bridge. This dock is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Most days throughout the summer and fall, you will find scores of anglers lining the railings.

The pier is located on U.S. Hwy 64 just under the western end of the bridge. The pier along with one of the finest small boat ramps can be easily accessed at the light past the western end of the bridge and just across from the entrance of the Pirates Cove Marina.

Anglers use the side road that parallels the highway to access the area and then follow this road toward the ramp. The pier is located on the left. In addition to the easy access, there are more than 50 parking spots, toilet facilities and sloped ramp that help those with limited mobility to access the pier.

The pier is several hundred feet long with plenty of benches and the best “fish railings”. The entire area is family friendly and a great place to spend the day either catching dinner or just enjoying the outdoors.

Fishing is very good with many species seeking safety under and around the pilings. Anglers frequently catch croakers, spot, and black drum and keeper flounder when in season, speckled trout, and occasional puppy drum. It is not unusual to catch under slot stripers all year but the best catches of keeper Stripe Bass are in the cooler fall months.

Anglers will typically use light tackle 6-7 foot rods with either two hook bottom rigs or a Carolina rig with cut bait, blood worms, fresh shrimp or Fish Bites. Don’t oversize your hooks especially in summer. Squid is an effective bait for flounder but it also seems to attract crabs.

There is a deep slough just north of the pier that holds plenty of fish. But only a strong cast can reach those holes. It’s best to focus under the pier and just a dozen yards out.

You should avoid the south side unless you are fishing the water surface. During the bridge construction much of the rubble and leftover debris was stacked on that side. So unless using a popping cork or jigging, it’s smart to stay on the north side.

The entire north railing is good for catching fish but  the favorite area is just at the easternmost end of the pier. Anglers who cast toward the huge bridge bumpers can be rewarded with larger species that travel along the faster currents under the bridge.

Overall this pier has been a favorite spot to fish for both novice and seasoned anglers for years. It’s the go-to-place when anglers need a change of pace or to get away from the hot summer sun.

Fishing licenses are required to fish on this pier so check with your tackle shop before you go. Also, follow the bag and creel limits. Only harvest what you can use.

So if you are looking for a place to spend the day, discover this pier for your next outing. You won’t be disappointed.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony