Spotted Seatrout

{
  "id": "20110c8f-179f-402f-ae96-73e68df6aff8",
  "commonName": "Spotted Seatrout",
  "scientificName": "Cynoscion nebulosus",
  "slug": "spotted-seatrout",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "speckled trout",
    "specks",
    "seatrout",
    "spotted weakfish",
    "yellowmouth trout",
    "gator trout",
    "papermouth",
    "Spotted Sea Trout",
    "Speckled Trout",
    "Speckled Trout (ambiguous alias)",
    "Speckled Sea Trout"
  ],
  "description": "The spotted seatrout is a sleek, silvery predator of the inshore shallows, instantly recognizable by the constellation of dark, irregular spots that pepper its dorsal side and tail, contrasting sharply against a pearlescent white belly. Its body is elongated and slightly compressed, with a large mouth and prominent canine teeth designed for ambush. Anglers can expect to hook fish ranging from 1 to 3 pounds on average, but trophy specimens in prime fisheries can push 6 to 8 pounds, with the record exceeding 17 pounds. In hand, look for a forked tail and a dorsal fin with a distinct notch, while the spots—unlike the uniform stripes of its cousin, the weakfish—are a dead giveaway, often extending onto the fins.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/spotted-seatrout/main.webp",
  "hero": {
    "blurhash": "UlQmCqoyt7xuWBWBofj[~qofaet7_3ofRjj[",
    "altText": "Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) watercolor",
    "caption": "The spotted seatrout is a sleek, silvery predator of the inshore shallows, instantly recognizable by the constellation of dark, irregular spots that pepper its dorsal side and tail, contrasting sharply against a pearlescent white belly.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "da9c0782-6bb4-4314-b9c8-844b6846c046",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The spotted seatrout is a classic inshore predator, spending its days cruising grass flats, channels, and oyster bars in search of shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. This is its primary life phase as a sleek, opportunistic feeder, offering anglers consistent action in shallow coastal waters.",
      "appearance": "Elongated, slightly compressed body with a silvery to pale olive-gray dorsum that transitions sharply to a pearlescent white belly. The entire dorsal surface, back, and caudal peduncle are liberally peppered with numerous, irregular, inky-black spots. These spots are distinct, often oval or oblong, and frequently extend onto the dorsal and tail fins. The head is pointed with a large, oblique mouth housing prominent canine teeth. Fins are generally yellowish or dusky, with a forked tail and a dorsal fin featuring a deep notch between the spiny and soft-rayed portions. Average size ranges from 14 to 24 inches (1-3 lbs), with trophies over 30 inches (6-8+ lbs).",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Shallow inshore and coastal waters, including estuaries, bays, salt marshes, seagrass flats, sandy potholes, and around oyster bars. Prefers salinity ranges from medium to high and is rarely found in purely freshwater.",
      "anglersNote": "The primary target for anglers, readily caught year-round on live shrimp, artificial lures, and soft plastics. A prized inshore sportfish known for its strong runs and willingness to bite.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    },
    {
      "id": "16dfbd78-04ce-4e85-845b-901b679bd87c",
      "name": "Spawning Male",
      "slug": "spawning-male",
      "description": "During the peak spawning season, mature males gather over specific sandy or grassy bottom areas, often near passes or deep channels. Their focus shifts to reproduction, and they may become more territorial, though they remain catchable.",
      "appearance": "Similar body shape and spotting pattern to the standard adult, but often exhibits a more intense, overall yellowish or golden hue, particularly on the lower flanks and belly. The silvery tones become richer, and the fins may appear more vibrantly yellow or even orange-tinged. No dramatic morphological changes like hooks or humps occur. The signature black spots remain prominent against the warmed-up background coloration.",
      "triggers": "Rising water temperatures in spring and summer (typically late spring through early fall) trigger spawning readiness.",
      "habitat": "Specific spawning sites, often near inlets, passes, or over deep grass flats and sandy bottoms with strong tidal flow in bays and estuaries.",
      "anglersNote": "Targeting spawning aggregations can yield large numbers of fish, but practice selective harvest as these are crucial breeders. They may be slightly more aggressive or location-specific during this time.",
      "displayOrder": 1,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:30:31.343Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Spotted seatrout, or speckled trout, are silvery inshore predators with distinctive dark spots. Learn where to find and how to catch these popular game fish.",
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    "spotted seatrout",
    "cynoscion nebulosus",
    "saltwater",
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    "specks",
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    "spotted weakfish",
    "yellowmouth trout",
    "gator trout",
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