Spotted Seatrout

Chasing Spotted Seatrout around Venice, Florida, means understanding the nuances of this dynamic estuary system. Focus your efforts on the grass flats and mangrove shorelines of the Intracoastal Waterway and the bays surrounding Venice. These areas provide ample ambush points and cover for trout. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic and effective presentation, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can also produce. The best times to fish are during the cooler months, from fall through spring, when the water temperatures are more favorable. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times of day. A local tip: pay attention to the tides. Incoming tides often bring cleaner water and baitfish into the backwaters. Keep an eye out for signs of mullet activity, as trout are often nearby. Seatrout in this area are known for their willingness to strike, but can be finicky about lure presentation, so vary your retrieve until you find what they want.