Cynoscion arenarius
OTHER NAMES: Sand Trout, Corvina, Triute Blanc, Trucha Blanca
RANGE: All coastal states plus northern Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula.
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Cynoscion nebulosus
OTHER NAMES: Trout, Speckled Trout, Speck, Truite Gris, Trucha De Mar
RANGE: All Gulf states, plus northern Mexico. Not found below the Yucatan Peninsula.
HABITAT: While they are most frequently taken on shallow, grassy flats, trout can be caught in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often seek refuge during cold weather.
DESCRIPTION: Streamlined shape, large mouth with prominent canine teeth, dark back with gray or silvery sides marked with scattered black spots of varying density. Spots also present on dorsal and tail fins. Background may take on a golden hue in stained water. Shape similar to that of a freshwater trout.
SIZE: The average is a pound or two, but in most areas fish up to five pounds or so are fairly common and an occasional fish may reach 8 or 10 pounds. The largest Trout of the Gulf come from Texas. World record 17 pounds, 7 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Very good, a favorite of many anglers.
GAME QUALITY: The fight is showy, with much thrashing at the surface and an occasional jump, but it takes a pretty large Trout to get off a run of any length, even against light line. What Trout lack in power, however, they make up for with aggressiveness.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Spinning is the most widely used gear, although bait-casting reels are nearly as popular in many areas, especially with a two-handed “popping rod”. Fly tackle is also very effective. Live shrimp tops the list of natural baits, but small live fish are superior then going after Trout of trophy size. Strips of cut fish or squid also work well. More Trout probably are taken on plastic-tail jigs than any other artificial lure, but buck-tail jigs, spoons, jerk plugs and top-water plugs also are killers in many instances, Fly casters rely heavily on popping bugs in shallow water, but a variety if large streamer flies will take Trout.
FISHING SYSTEM: Drifting, Still Fishing, Casting.
If you want to save money and time going to the bait shop, use a cast net to catch all your bait. Catching the bait with a cast net is very satisfying, and pretty easy. I love to be self sustainable, and not rely on bate shops. Throwing the cast net is an awesome skill every fishermen shall have.
When you get the cast net, there is usually a long rope, a net and lead weights at the bottom. It comes in various sizes from 4ft (1.2m) to 10ft (3m) radius.
The 3/8″ mesh is good for bait size 3″ and up. 5/8” mesh sizes work well to catch bait between 4 inches and 10 inches. Common baits caught with these mesh sizes include mullet, goggle eyes, cigar minnows and all fish larger than 4in.
This 8ft radius 3/8” mesh fishing cast net, is perfect for you.
We highly recommend you to use a Bubble air pump to extend the bait life. The bubble box is good for fresh and salt water use.
