Speckled Trout are one of the most sought-after game fish in our coastal estuaries. They can be finicky, but having the right lure can turn a slow day into a memorable one. Here are the top 5 types of lures that consistently put trout in the boat.
1. Soft Plastic Paddle Tail
The undisputed king. A 3-4 inch paddle tail on a 1/8oz or 1/4oz jig head can be fished in almost any situation. It perfectly mimics a small mullet or pinfish.
2. Shrimp Imitator
Trout can't resist a shrimp. Lures like the D.O.A. Shrimp or Gulp! Shrimp are incredibly effective when fished under a popping cork. The "pop" of the cork simulates the sound of feeding fish and draws trout in from a distance.
3. Suspending Twitch Bait
When fish are holding in a specific water depth, a suspending twitch bait like a MirrOlure MirrOdine or a Corky Fat Boy is lethal. The ability to pause the lure and let it hang in the strike zone is what triggers aggressive bites.
4. Topwater "Walk-the-Dog" Lure
For sheer excitement, nothing beats a topwater bite. A Heddon Super Spook Jr. or a Skitter Walk worked across a calm flat in the early morning will produce explosive strikes.
5. Gold or Silver Spoon
Don't overlook the classics. A simple weedless gold spoon is fantastic for searching large areas of grass flats. It provides a ton of flash and vibration that trout can't ignore.