First Cast species profile
Sand Trout
Cynoscion arenarius
Saltwater
Also called: sand seatrout, sand sea trout, white trout, gulf trout
Overview
A channel and deeper-edge trout that can stack around current, bait, and bottom transitions.
- Family
- Sciaenidae
- Typical habitat
- Channels, Deeper edges, Passes, Bait schools
- Takes
- Shrimp, Small soft plastic, Cut bait
- Seasonality
- Tide, wind, and water clarity shape the bite more than the calendar; verify current regulations before keeping fish.
Identification
Not sure what you have caught? Photograph it and First Cast will identify it against the species master.
Identify a catch →Regulations
Needs review: check current TPWD Outdoor Annual before harvesting.
Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.
Source: TPWD Outdoor Annual 2025-2026Verify current regulations with the state or federal authority before fishing.