Speckled Trout ('specks' to the locals) are the most sought-after game fish on the entire Gulf Coast and our Galveston, Texas, fishing guides know how to find and catch them! These fish are abundant, hard fighting, and will eat both live and artificial baits on almost any given day.
The speckled trout, or the spotted sea trout, is not actually a member of the trout family, but of the drum family.
Galveston is a great place to fish for speckled trout
Galveston Bay has a well-earned reputation for some of the best, most consistent speckled trout fishing along the entire Texas coast. The reason for this productivity has much to do with the nutrient rich, warm waters of the Gulf Coast.
As a rule, speckled trout are essentially homebodies. The fish live their lives relatively close to the waters in which they were spawned. If you find a good fishing spot, and it isn't overfished, chances are that you'll have all the fish you can handle.
Fishing with the Galveston Guides
SaltWater Sportsman magazine magazine lists Galveston as number three on its list of the top ten Saltwater fishing cities in the United States, citing it for the speckled trout, redfish, black drum, and flounder in Galveston Bay, as well as cobia, wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, red snapper, kingfish and marlin found off the Gulf side of the island. More than 100 species of fish are regularly caught in the waters around the island.
We are proud to recommend these qualified guides and charters for your next guided fishing trip:
Captain Greg Ball, Wave Dancer Charters, Galveston, TX
Family friendly; Winner 2015 "Best of the Island"
Captain Mike Short, Get Hooked Charters, Galveston, TX
Offering high adrenaline shark fishing excursions to spear fishing trips to overnight tuna trips
Captain Jason Woods, Rod Bending Charters, Galveston, TX
Several boats, groups welcome, family friendly
Captain Dan Green, Fishin Addiction Charters, Galveston, TX
Fishing the back bays for trout, near shore for sharks and bull reds
Captain Kevin Roberts, Captain Kevin Roberts Guide Service, Galveston, TX
Corporate and large party trips can be accommodated
A little further southwest, but still on the Texas coast:
Captain Jack McPartland, Treble J Charters, Rockport, TX
10% discount on full-day trips for active military
Best bait for catching speckled trout
Each guide will no doubt have his favorite bait onboard for you! You can trust that he knows what works for the fish in his particular area.
Live shrimp is arguably the most popular bait along the Texas Coast. Practically all fish have a taste for the delectable crustacean. However, keep in mind that the age of the fish you're targeting dictates its food preference. As a general rule, smaller specks tend to prefer shrimp, while the larger fish choose bait fish.
When fishing for the big specks (4-8 lbs.), try a live croaker. When targeting a monster trout, don’t be afraid to drop down a 6-inch croaker, as they will often go after a surprisingly large fish. For once, a time-honored trout fishing rule holds true: “use a big bait; catch a big fish!”
Live pinfish, mullet, and menhaden also make good trout bait.
One catching technique, after dark, is to throw out a glow stick into the water and cast around it, as these fish are attracted to light.
Good luck and happy fishing! Email us a photo of your catch, or post it on our Facebook page!
Resources:
The Life and Times of the Speckled Trout, Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2005
Related Articles:
Fishing in the Playground of the South - Galveston, Texas
