Advanced Shark & Trout Challenge in Port St. Joe

Lemon Shark

Sea Trout

Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) Fish Description

Also known as Spotted Sea Trout or Speckled Trout, Sea Trout are anadromous, meaning they migrate from the sea to spawn in freshwater. 

The most distinct feature of Sea Trout is their torpedo-shaped (fusiform) and elongated body. They are similar to brown trout but have a much more silvery appearance. They have an adipose fin which is a feature present in all species of trout. They have numerous spots all over the body.

This fish closely resembles the Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon. What makes it different from the others is that the rainbow trout possess black spots on its tail, whereas the Atlantic Salmon has no red tinge on its adipose fin.

Sea Trout Diet and Size

Sea Trout love to feast on shrimps, prawns, small crabs, and fish. They also feed on zooplankton and zoobenthos.

Adult Sea Trout can grow from 14 to 24 inches long and weigh a little over one pound to 5 pounds. Some Sea Trout were found to have weighed up to 40 pounds in certain instances.

Interesting Facts About the Sea Trout 

• As an anadromous fish species, the Sea Trout shares this characteristic with the Sea Lamprey, Striped Bass, and Salmon.
• Some salmonids like the Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus alpinus), Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are also commonly called Sea Trout.
• Male Sea Trout who are in breeding season develop a skype, which is a hook-like protrusion on their lower jaw.
• When in freshwater, Sea Trout are olive in color, whereas they are silvery when they are in salt water.
• Young Sea Trout remain in freshwater for almost five years before going back to sea; during this journey, they can travel up to 40 kilometers in a day.
• The Sea Trout is considered the first fish to have undergone artificial reproduction; the pilot activity is said to have occurred in 1739 in Germany.

Sea Trout — Fishing Techniques

Sea Trout are considered common table fare; they are usually processed and frozen. Because of this, this species has become popular among commercial fishers. Freshwater anglers basically catch Sea Trout via fly fishing.

Commercial anglers usually use spinners, lures, and live bait like herring and mackerel strips dipped into the water reaching the sea bed. Since Sea Trout are good fighters who always like to bait, you are recommended to utilize artificial lures; the most effective are jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs. 

When sea trout fishing, look for them in grass flats or shallow waters at night. If you have a hard time, you can try trolling at idle speed along these areas. Remember that during winter, Sea Trout form big schools and are usually found in waters as deep as 164 feet.

Considered one of the most highly rated fish, the Sea Trout is prized among anglers. In some countries like Germany, however, this species is protected and highly regulated. 

Is Sea Trout Good to Eat?

Sea trout or Speckled trout is a popular game fish found in many coastal areas worldwide. One question often arises is whether sea trout is good to eat. It's important to understand that sea trout can vary significantly in taste depending on where they were caught and what they've been feeding on. Generally speaking, sea trout has a mild and delicate flavor that many people find appealing. Additionally, because sea trout are typically smaller than other salmonids like salmon or steelhead, their flesh tends to be more tender and less oily.

Speckled Trout are a tasty fish that is very good to eat with moderate-flaky, white meat. It is softer than other inshore fish, so it is important not to overcook it, or it will become very mushy.

Regarding nutrition, sea trout is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been linked to various health benefits, including improved brain function and heart health.

Sea Trout Habitat and Distribution 

Sea Trout thrive best in cold lakes and rivers (they like temperatures between 33.8 to 80.6°F); they spawn on the gravel bottoms of streams and rivers. They usually spawn in November to December. Sea trout in South Carolina typically live in estuaries all year, but they may congregate to overwinter in deeper channels and rivers or the main estuary, potentially increasing fishing pressure. 

Sea Trout have vast and fairly distributed populations in Europe, especially along the coasts of Iceland, the UK, and the Atlantic and Baltic areas. They are abundant in the Caspian and Black Seas but are not present in the Mediterranean. Certain populations of Sea trout have also been reported in the US, particularly in the Canadian rivers, Columbia River, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Sheepshead

Sheephead Fish (Archosargus Probatocephalus) Description 

The Sheepshead is a beautiful fish with a deeply compressed grey body. They have five to seven dark bars on the sides of its body, giving it the nickname of convict fish. They also have sharp dorsal spines, but what they are really famous for are their human-like teeth. 

Size 

Sheepshead are common at 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. However, if you are lucky, you could come across one at 20 pounds, 35-inches. They live a relatively long life, about 20 years. 

Spawning 

Sheepshead form spawning groups of up to 10,000 fish. They migrate to structures at channel passes and offshore reefs, jetties, and oil platforms. They primarily spawn in the early spring from February through April. 

Interesting Facts 

• Sheepshead fish are nicknamed convict fish for their gray and black stripes.
• Sheepshead Bay in New York got its name from these fish there were once abundant. However, the bay's popularity caused water pollution, and the Sheepshead have all but disappeared from the bay.
• The delicate white flesh and delicious mild flavor of the Sheepshead make it excellent table fare, but their tough scales and strong fin spines make this species difficult to clean or fillet. Because of this, it is sometimes passed over in favor of other food fish.

Habitat and Distribution

You will find these fish around structures of any kind, docks, bridges, petroleum rigs, and reefs. Any barnacle-covered pilings make for great places to catch some big Sheepshead fish. Although they usually stay near cover, occasionally, they will also come closer to shore to feed on sand fleas (a type of crab). 

Sheepshead are found along the entire east coast of the United States and around Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The highest concentrations are found in south Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the large number of artificial structures and pier pilings in northwest Florida, you will also find large concentrations. They can also be found as far north as Nova Scotia. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Sheepshead

If your fishing from a boat, pull up to the structure without dropping an anchor, if possible, as it will startle the fish. They seldom go after baits too far from their cover, so get as close as you can. Anglers on land can still catch the big one off the dock or seawall. Just as the boat angler would do, cast your bait as close to the pilings as possible. Using light tackle, let the bait hit bottom, then slowly bring the bait up in 1-foot increments to determine where the fish are suspended in the water as they are pelagic. They may lurk near the bottom or hover in any depth. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. They will nibble on the bait in an attempt to loosen it from the hook, so always have it set up firmly. They also have powerful mouths and jaws, so once you feel the fish's weight nibbling at the bait, set the hook aggressively.

Look for these King-of-the-Reef fish around structures where they love to feed on barnacles, small stone crab, and fiddler crab. They also eat shrimp, mollusks, minnows, clams, and squid. When choosing a bait, a natural one is the best way to go. However, if you are looking for a jig to use, consider a shrimp-tipped jig. The heavier weight helps keep the bait down and from being dragged with the current. If your local laws allow, you may even scrape barnacles off the pilings with a rake to create a seeping area of meat pieces in the water. The Sheepshead will quickly hone in on the scent, and you will have them come to you. 

Sheepshead Good to Eat?

Sheepshead is an excellent choice for those who love delicious, sustainable seafood options. This fish has a mild flavor that makes it suitable for any palate. Its white, sweet and succulent flesh is a perfect complement to any dish. Sheepshead is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to maintain a well-balanced diet. It is also low in mercury, which means you can enjoy it without worrying about any potential health risks.   A diet rich in Sheepshead fish can help in improving heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart diseases. It can also support brain function, boost immunity, and aid in muscle growth and repair. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, Sheepshead fish is an excellent addition to any meal.  So, if you have not tried this fish yet, it is time to do so and discover its exceptional taste and health benefits.