Silver Seatrout

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — an inshore and nearshore species of the US East Coast. Ranges from New York south through the Gulf of Mexico. Most common from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf states. Found in shallow estuaries, bays, sounds, and nearshore Gulf and Atlantic waters.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–78°F. A species that tolerates a wide temperature range. Moves offshore to deeper water in winter and returns to inshore habitats in spring and summer.

Size & Weight: A smaller Seatrout species — typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 10–14 inches. Rarely exceeds 3 lbs. World record: 6 lbs. Less targeted as a primary sport fish than Spotted Seatrout but commonly encountered as bycatch in inshore fishing.

Best Lures: Small jig heads (1/8 oz) with soft plastic bodies are effective. Small inline spinners produce consistent action. Tiny spoons work in shallow water. Small hard-body plugs catch fish in sandy bottom areas. Light spinning gear with 6–10 lb line is appropriate.

Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live minnows work well. Dead shrimp on a bottom rig produce consistent action. Small pieces of cut squid are effective. Sand fleas and fiddler crabs produce in southern range waters.

Western Atlantic Ocean — an inshore and nearshore species of the US East Coast. Ranges from New York south through the Gulf of Mexico. Most common from North Carolina south through Florida and the Gulf states. Found in shallow estuaries, bays, sounds, and nearshore Gulf and Atlantic waters.

60°F–78°F. A species that tolerates a wide temperature range. Moves offshore to deeper water in winter and returns to inshore habitats in spring and summer.

Best Lures: Small jig heads (1/8 oz) with soft plastic bodies are effective. Small inline spinners produce consistent action. Tiny spoons work in shallow water. Small hard-body plugs catch fish in sandy bottom areas. Light spinning gear with 6–10 lb line is appropriate. Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live minnows work well. Dead shrimp on a bottom rig produce consistent action. Small pieces of cut squid are effective. Sand fleas and fiddler crabs produce in southern range waters.

A smaller Seatrout species — typically 0.5–1.5 lbs and 10–14 inches. Rarely exceeds 3 lbs. World record: 6 lbs. Less targeted as a primary sport fish than Spotted Seatrout but commonly encountered as bycatch in inshore fishing.