Fishing Charters in Florida

Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch spotted seatrout.

Best Time to Catch Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout can be caught year-round in Port Charlotte. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Spotted Seatrout Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout

Various

Charlotte Harbor and its surrounding estuaries make Port Charlotte a premier destination for Spotted Seatrout. These fish are plentiful throughout the year, but the best fishing occurs during the cooler months of spring and fall when the water temperature is between 68 and 78 degrees. Seatrout are ambush predators, so focus on areas with seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic and effective presentation. For artificial lures, try topwater plugs early in the morning or soft plastics rigged weedless. A local tip: try fishing the flats around Gasparilla Sound on an outgoing tide. The Seatrout population in Charlotte Harbor is healthy, with a good mix of smaller 'schoolie' trout and larger 'gator' trout. Remember to handle these fish with care, as they are fragile and important to the ecosystem.

How to Catch Spotted Seatrout

Spotted Seatrout Fishing Regulations in Florida

Open Season

Year-round, subject to closures

Daily Bag Limit

5 per person per day

Size Limit

15-19 inch slot limit; only one over 19 inches allowed

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Certain areas may have different size and bag limits. Check current regulations for specific location.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait to use for spotted seatrout in Port Charlotte?

Live shrimp is a classic and effective choice for spotted seatrout in Port Charlotte. Artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can also be very productive, especially in the early morning or late evening.

What are the size restrictions for keeping spotted seatrout in Florida?

Spotted seatrout must be within the 15-19 inch slot limit to be kept in Florida. You are allowed to keep one seatrout over 19 inches as part of your daily bag limit.

How many spotted seatrout can I keep per day in Port Charlotte?

The bag limit for spotted seatrout in Florida is 5 per person per day.

Do I need a fishing license to target spotted seatrout in Port Charlotte?

Yes, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish for spotted seatrout in Port Charlotte's saltwater and brackish waters.

More Spotted Seatrout Fishing in Florida

Other Species to Fish in Port Charlotte

Ready to Catch Spotted Seatrout in Port Charlotte?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.