Surfing for Specks

BY: CHRIS VECSEY

Thereare many areas to target speckled trout, but for me, it doesn’t get any better than beachside specks. These fish are practically a different species from the backwater variety. They are usually more aggressive, heavier bodied and possess far more attitude.

Big trout typically start moving onto the beaches once water temps climb back towards 70 degrees and higher. These fish will generally hang in the surf zone all through the summer.

Beachside specks are generally found along nearshore pockets of deeper water or around rip current eddies within the inner sandbar systems. On calm, clear days, they can often be seen in small groups or schools of 50 or more fish.

Not unlike their inshore counterparts, these surf trout won’t stray far from their forage. Finding areas with an ample supply of bait is critical. The presence of other predators like ladyfish, mackerel and others is usually a good sign that you’re in the right area.

Fishing these areas can be done both on foot or from a boat or kayak.

Boats can be positioned just outside the troughs or beyond the breakers and baits/ lures fished inward towards the beaches. It’s easiest to find spots from the boat by looking for areas that are void of wave activity, designating deeper water and the rips/troughs that these fish like to thrive in.

My favorite way to hit these beachside specks is on foot. Aside from the simplistic approach and “cheap” operating cost, this is by far the most tactical way to target these fish. The nearshore troughs and “ditches” can be picked apart more methodically and with a stealthy approach. It’s simply a matter of covering water and moving from one trough to the next.

Bait choice can vary wildly, but like all types of fishing, match the hatch is the best angle of attack. Beach trout will primarily feed on various finfish like sardines, mullet and croaker. These fish can be targeted via live baiting, but the majority of beach trout anglers will go the artificial route to cover water more efficiently and with less bycatch.

Hardbaits excel here with twitchbaits and midsize jerkbaits being top picks. On many occasions, topwater lures will draw big strikes from trophy trout in the breakers. Another added plus to using hardbaits is their durability, with many abundant and toothy bycatch species like mackerel and bluefish frequenting the same areas

Soft plastics will take their fair share, with “jerkbait” style baits like the Slick Lure and Southern Salt Hoodwink being good choices. These baits can be fished with a time tested twitch-n-pause retrieve that is particularly effective on speckled trout. Other plastics like paddletails and classic curltail grubs will also work.

This is also a great time to target them on foot with the flyrod and a wide variety of different baitfish patterns will work for them. Rods should range from 6-8wt and line types from full floating to intermediate or sink 3 tips can be used.

Beach trout can be taken in a variety of conditions, but a bit of wave action can go a long way. The fish will generally be more active when there are waves and less spooky of terminal gear. Don’t let a bit of wind and waves deter you from hitting the sand, as any small pocket of deeper water can be an oasis for big trout when conditions get sporty.

You don’t have to run miles of open bay for big trout this month. Take the boat down the beaches or strap on the backpack and get your feet sandy.

Fort Morgan, AL - May 2023