Orlando Fishing

The Spotted Sea Trout is the most popular inshore species fished for on Florida’s East Coast. They are willing to hit a variety of artificial lures and natural baits and can be caught year round in many different habitats in the Indian River Lagoon including, grass flats, mangroves, creeks, channels, docks, and bridges. Trout are a schooling fish in their early lives and become more solitary as they grow older. These older, bigger, and wiser fish known as “Gator Trout” have helped make the Indian River famous.

A broad ranging species the Spotted Sea Trout lives throughout the coast line of the East Coast to parts of Mexico. Trout do not migrate and will stay in the same general area their entire life. They are members of the Drum family which includes Weakfish, Redfish, and Black Drum. Often referred to in other coastal areas as sea trout, spots, and specks, the Spotted Sea Trout is simply called “Trout” on the Indian River Lagoon and most Florida waters. They are savvy and well equipped hunters that are comfortable feeding day and night. Trout have a reflective structure in their eyes which is also found in several nocturnal mammals. The structure reflects light back to the retina which greatly improves night vision. This gives Trout an excellent advantage over their prey in low light conditions. It’s no surprise that my clients catch some of the biggest “Gator Trout” on my night trips!

Trout are a truly aggressive fish and can be a formidable opponent in the shallow waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, and Banana River. The larger fish have plenty of strength and power to test light tackle and can put on an aerial display like Snook. Unlike Redfish, Snook and Tarpon, Trout have delicate mouths and must be fought properly on the correct fishing tackle to avoid pulling the hooks. On your Orlando fishing charter with me we will be using light tackle spinning gear rigged with 8-12 lb line and #15 lb fluorocarbon shock leader. I will personally teach you effective Spotted Sea Trout techniques with artificial lures as well as natural bait. Some of my favorite lures for Trout are the Bass Assassin Shad, DOA Shrimp, Mirrolure, and for explosive top water strikes Heddon’s Zara Spook. My top picks for live bait are Shrimp, Mullet, and Pigfish.

Mosquito Lagoon Redfish aren’t the only unique population of fish we have here in East Central Florida. Scientists have proven that the Trout that live in the Indian River and Banana River are a separate bigger strain of fish. They grow quicker and can reach a larger size then anywhere else in the world! These legendary Trout waters hold an amazing 13 IGFA line class world records, the Florida state record, as well as the world record. The current world record Spotted Sea Trout was caught on the Indian River in 1995 and weighed an amazing 17 pounds 7 ounces. The average size Trout my clients normally catch on the Indian River Lagoon are between 1-3 lbs. Many fish over 5 lbs are caught by my clients throughout the year with the occasional fish over 10 lbs. I always make sure when your fishing with me that your rigged and ready because these waters are capable of producing a giant Trout over 10 lbs on any cast!

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