Trout

Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus*

Description:
dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.*

Fishing Areas:
Mostly around large grass flats, also channel cuts, inshore creeks and deep holes. In the summer and fall the trout are most abundant in the grass flats and in the winter the trout will move near springs or deep hole inshore.

Baits:
Live baits such as whitebait, small pin fish and shrimp works well. There is a large verity of lures used; top water lures, mirrolures and jigs are also very common.

Tackle:
Rod: A 7ft 8#-10# class rood.
Reel: A 10# test class spinning reel
Line: 8#-10# mono or 15#-20# braid.
Leader: A 20# fluorocarbon leader.
Hooks: 2/0 to 4/0 hooks works well.
Float: Popping corks works well with shrimp.
Jigs: The two most common are root beer colored and white grub with a red tail.
Jig Heads: Depends on the water depth, 5/8th oz for deeper water and smaller for sallow water.

Overall trout is one of the easiest fish to catch in quantity. In the summer and fall the trout will be in loose schools over the grass flats. A boat that has a good drift and lots of jig bodies will increase your catch. It's no uncommon to go through 100 jig bodies in one trip. Trout are jumpers and head shakers, so it is very important never to give them slack line or they will throw the hook. Also trout do not pass up whitebait, live chum over the grass flats or cut when the current is strong and you may bring 100's of trout behind the boat.

Always check the fishing regulations on trout, Hernando County is considered the Northwest Region.



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Trout Pictures:
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Trout fishing is great for the kids.


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* Identification Information From: myFWC