Texas Speckled Trout Limit: Catch Your Limit With These Top Tips

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Catching a vibrant speckled trout in Texas can be an exciting experience for anglers. It is one of the most popular game fish. It is crucial to be mindful of the Texas speckled trout limit and ensure compliance with the regulations when catching fish.

This article covers the Texas speckled trout limits and regulations, penalties for violating the limit, and tips and techniques for maximizing your catch within the limit. We will also provide an overview of different types of speckled seatrout and their characteristics.

Texas Fishing Regulations

Obtaining a valid fishing license is a fundamental requirement for any fishing activity in Texas, whether for recreational or commercial purposes. These licenses can be obtained online or in person from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Texas has both state and federal waters, and the regulations for fishing in these areas can differ. State waters typically extend to nine nautical miles from the shoreline, while federal jurisdiction begins beyond the nine nautical mile limit and into the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers must comply with federal and state regulations when fishing in federal waters.

Texas Speckled Trout Regulations

Speckled trout fishing is a popular activity among anglers in Texas, and there are regular regulation changes on the number and size of fish that can be caught. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) sets these regulations to ensure that the fish population remains healthy and sustainable for future generations.

The most recent changes to the speckled trout limit were approved by the TPWD Commission in 2022. This is due to the big freeze of February 2021 killing fish.

These changes include reducing the size limits that apply to recreational anglers in state waters south of FM 457. This includes East Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and Laguna Madre Bay systems.

North of FM 457, regulations remain about the same.

In Texas, using gill nets to catch speckled trout is prohibited due to the risk of entangling fish by their gills as they swim through the net. The use of gill nets for commercial fishing is only allowed with certain regulations, but recreational anglers are completely restricted from using any type of gill net for catching speckled trout.

Comparison of Bag Limit and Size Limit

Bag limit and size limit are both regulations set by state wildlife agencies to manage fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Daily Limit

Bag limit refers to the maximum number of fish a person can legally harvest and possess in a single day or trip. This possession limit is set to prevent overfishing and ensure that there are enough fish to sustain populations.

Size Limit

Size limit refers to the minimum size of a fish that a person can legally harvest and possess. This possession limit allows fish to reach maturity and reproduce before harvesting.

Possession Limit

The possession limit for speckled trout in Texas is double the daily bag limit. This means that a person can have up to six speckled trout in their possession if they have caught the daily limit of three fish.

Other states may have different bag and size limits for different fish species, depending on the health and abundance of the population. It is important for anglers to check the regulations for the specific species and location where they plan to fish to ensure compliance with the rules and avoid penalties and fines.

Texas Speckled Trout Limit

Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) – North of FM 457

• Location: Statewide north of FM 457
• Daily Bag: 5
• Possession Limit: 10
• Minimum Length: 15 inches
• Maximum Length: 25 inches; One fish over the maximum length may be kept

Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) – Laguna Madre

• Location: Statewide south of FM 457; From March 16, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023, in Matagorda Bay, San Antonio Bay, Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, and Laguna Madre Bay System
• Daily Bag: 3 (no oversized spotted seatrout allowed in this location)
• Possession Limit: 6
• Minimum Length: 17 inches
• Maximum Length: 23 inches

Source: Texas Saltwater Fish Limits [2023]: Top 30 Game Fish

Enforcement of Texas Speckled Trout Limit

Penalties for Violating Limits

Violating the Texas speckled trout limit can result in a range of penalties. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, “It is an offense to possess more than the daily bag limit or to take or attempt to take more than the daily bag limit.”

The penalties for violating the limit include fines, equipment confiscation, and imprisonment. The exact penalties for violating the limit can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation.

For example, a first-time offender may face a fine of up to $500, while a repeat offender may face a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Additionally, if the violation involves the use of illegal equipment or methods, the penalties can be even more severe.

Speckled Trout Spawning Seasons in Texas Waters

In Texas, anglers can catch speckled trout year-round, but two spawning seasons occur annually. These seasons are in the spring and fall, with the spring season running from March to May and the fall season from September to November. During these periods, the fish are more active and feed aggressively, making it an excellent time to fish for them.

Speckled trout spawning occurs in shallow, grassy areas along the Texas coast, primarily in bays and estuaries. These locations provide the ideal conditions for the fish to reproduce, including the right temperature, salinity, and food supply. Knowing where these spawning areas are located can significantly increase fish anglers’ chances of catching speckled trout during these seasons.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also regularly stocks speckled trout in several state park lakes. These stockings were first introduced in the 1970s and have been a tremendous success, increasing the trout available to anglers in Texas. However, it’s important to note that trout don’t do well in water temperatures warmer than 70°F. The stockings are primarily done in the cool winter months when the water temperatures are optimal for trout survival.

Tips For Catching Speckled Trout Within the Limit

Gear For Speckled Trout Fishing

To target speckled trout during your next fishing trip, anglers need to have the right gear. The following gear is helpful for catching more fish and can be found in most tackle shops:

• Rods: Medium to medium-light power rods with fast action and lengths of 6-7 feet are ideal for speckled trout fishing.
• Reels: Spinning reels with a high gear ratio are recommended for speckled trout fishing.
• Line: Four to eight-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon lines are suitable for speckled trout fishing.
• Lures: Soft plastic baits, topwater plugs, and suspending twitch baits are popular lures for speckled trout fishing.
• Other gear: Polarized sunglasses, a landing net, and a fishing vest are also helpful for speckled trout fishing.

Techniques For Speckled Trout Fishing

Anglers can use the following techniques to catch speckled trout within the limit:

• Drift fishing: Drift fishing with live bait, such as shrimp or mullet, can be effective for catching speckled trout.
• Wade fishing: Wade fishing in shallow waters can be a productive way to catch speckled trout.
• Working lures: Anglers can work soft plastic baits, topwater plugs, and suspending twitch baits to entice speckled trout to bite.
• Fishing structure: Speckled trout often congregate around structures, such as rocks, jetties, and docks.
• Timing: Speckled trout are more active during low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk.

In addition to these techniques, anglers should be mindful of Texas’s speckled trout limits. From March 16, 2022, to August 31, 2023, recreational anglers may keep up to five speckled trout per day, with a slot size between 15-25 inches.

One of the five fish may exceed the 25-inch size limit. South of FM 457, the daily bag limit has been reduced to three fish per person, and the slot limit has been tightened to 17-23 inches. By using the right gear and techniques and staying within limits, anglers can enjoy a successful and responsible speckled trout fishing experience in Texas.

Speckled Trout Migration Path

Speckled trout are coastal fish that typically migrate along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. They move inshore along the multiple bay systems during the spring and summer to spawn and feed in shallow, grassy areas, such as bays and estuaries, and then migrate offshore to deeper waters during the fall and winter.

The exact migration path for speckled trout can vary based on factors such as water temperature, food availability, and weather patterns.

Speckled Trout’s Favorite Locations in Texas

Speckled trout can be found all over the Texas coast, but some areas are better for catching them. Here are some of the best spots:

• Baffin Bay: This location is famous for its clean water and lots of speckled trout. The shallow areas and channels make it easy for anglers to find these fish.
• Laguna Madre: This is another good spot because of the shallow areas and grassy beds. Anglers can find the fish in the flats near the Intracoastal Waterway or the deeper channels around the jetties.
• Galveston Bay: This is one of the biggest bays in Texas and has a lot of different types of fish, including speckled trout. They can be found in grass flats, channels, and reefs.
• Corpus Christi Bay: This shallow bay is another great place to find speckled trout. They can be found in the flats near the Intracoastal Waterway or the deeper channels around the jetties.
• East Matagorda Bay: This location is known for its clear water and many fish. Anglers can find speckled trout in the grass beds and channels.
• Sabine Lake: This is a good spot for catching speckled trout, located on the border between Texas and Louisiana. The shallow flats and deep channels make it easy for anglers to catch these fish.
• Packery Channel: This deep-water channel runs from the Gulf of Mexico to Corpus Christi Bay. The strong currents and abundance of fish make it a good place for catching speckled trout.
• Port Aransas Jetties: These jetties attract a variety of fish, including speckled trout. They provide a natural structure that makes it easier for anglers to catch these fish.

These locations offer a lot of opportunities for catching speckled trout. Although each spot is unique, they are all great places for anglers to catch this popular game fish.

Other Sources

1. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
   https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/saltwater-fishing/bag-length-limits/seatrout-bag-length-limits

Conclusion

This article is a complete guide to catching speckled trout in Texas while adhering to state and federal regulations. The guide covers bag and size limits, possession limits, and penalties for non-compliance.

In addition to the regulations, the article provides information on the migration path of speckled trout and their preferred locations in Texas, such as Baffin Bay, Laguna Madre, and Galveston Bay. The guide also offers tips and techniques for catching speckled trout within the limits, such as drift fishing, wade fishing, and working lures.

In summary, this article is a comprehensive resource for anglers looking to catch speckled trout in Texas while complying with the regulations. By following the tips and techniques provided, anglers can enjoy a successful and responsible fishing experience.