Winter has not officially started, but don’t tell the fish that. Early cold fronts with a nearly back-to-back progression have lowered water temperatures and put fish in their usual locations for winter weather. Along with the changes in temperature, we are seeing a migration of what I think of as “winter trout,” the large, yellow-mouthed variety. These fish are aggressive and tend to fill the gap for action when some of our other gamefish such as snook are slowing down.
Some of these larger trout range from 4 to 7 pounds. They fight more like summer snook, with a good run, some jumps and with much more stamina than the normal trout. While many people think spotted seatrout are an easy catch, these big specks are anything but. Because of their tender, fleshy mouths, hooks can tear out easily if too much pressure is applied, making landing them more difficult than a redfish or snook of the same size.
I use braided line for much more sensitivity and greater hook-setting power for reds and snook, but the added sensitivity is paramount for these winter trout. They eat baits like a DOA Shrimp with a very subtle take that can be almost imperceptible when monofilament line is used. Because these trout have such soft mouths, the zero stretch factor can cause hooks to tear free. To counter that, I’ve gone to a longer 7-foot-6-inch rod with a lighter action so keeping a bend in the rod will not only keep continued pressure applied, but also provide the necessary shock absorbency to keep hooks from tearing out.
Some of these larger trout range from 4 to 7 pounds. They fight more like summer snook, with a good run, some jumps and with much more stamina than the normal trout. While many people think spotted seatrout are an easy catch, these big specks are anything but. Because of their tender, fleshy mouths, hooks can tear out easily if too much pressure is applied, making landing them more difficult than a redfish or snook of the same size.
I use braided line for much more sensitivity and greater hook-setting power for reds and snook, but the added sensitivity is paramount for these winter trout. They eat baits like a DOA Shrimp with a very subtle take that can be almost imperceptible when monofilament line is used. Because these trout have such soft mouths, the zero stretch factor can cause hooks to tear free. To counter that, I’ve gone to a longer 7-foot-6-inch rod with a lighter action so keeping a bend in the rod will not only keep continued pressure applied, but also provide the necessary shock absorbency to keep hooks from tearing out.
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