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Spotted Seatrout

First Cast species profile

Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus

An ambush predator that keys on glass minnows and shrimp along current seams, grass lines, and sandy potholes.

Bite estimate

Reading conditions for your fishing location…

Movement & conditions

Near San Antonio, TX · change location

Reading conditions and distribution for Spotted Seatrout…

Predicted zones combine environmental and historical fisheries data. They do not represent live fish locations.

Movement and migration guide

No movement profile is matched to Spotted Seatrout yet — this searches the Field Guide by name.

Where to fish

Look for current seams, bait flickers, slicks, and clean water over grass or shell.

Grass linesSandy potholesCurrent seamsShell padsDrop-offsShallow flats

Regulation card

3 fish per day; 15 - 20 in; season open. One spotted seatrout over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Spotted Seatrout Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Spotted Seatrout Tag.

Bag limit: 3 fish per day

Length: 15 - 20 in

One spotted seatrout over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Spotted Seatrout Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Spotted Seatrout Tag.

Source: TPWD Outdoor Annual 2025-2026

What to throw

Live shrimp, Croaker, Soft plastic and Suspending twitchbait, Paddle tail jig, Topwater walker around Grass edges, Shell pads, Drop-offs.

SaltwaterGrass edgesShell padsDrop-offs

Recommended setup

7' medium-light spinning rod, 2500-3000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Medium-light spinning rod

Rod

Casts light jigheads and twitchbaits without overpowering trout.

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Suspending twitchbait

Lure

Pauses in the strike zone over potholes and current seams.

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Paddle tail jig

Lure

Searches grass lines, shell pads, and shallow flats efficiently.

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Topwater walker

Lure

Best for low-light trout feeding over grass and slicks.

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Gear & Tackle Box

Rods & Reels

Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit

Beginner-friendly travel spinning setup for all-around bank, pier, fresh, and light inshore use.

Rods & Reels

Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Combo

All-around spinning setup for bass, trout, and redfish.

Line & Leader

Reaction Tackle Fluorocarbon Leaders

Beginner-friendly leader option for freshwater and Texas inshore fishing.

Tools & Accessories

Texas Inshore Jig Bundle

Bundle product for redfish, trout, flounder, jig heads, and soft-plastic presentations.

Illustration: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department