Sand Trout

The Sand Trout is one of the brackish water southern estuaries most common residents.  They are the smallest member of the trout family which include the Spotted Seatrout, the Silver Seatrout, and the Weakfish.  Sand Trout have tan to a yellowish upper body fading to white underbelly and generally have two canine type teeth on the upper jaw but have no distinctive spots.

Sometimes called White Trout or Sand Seatrout, they averages around a pound and generally are no larger than two.  These Sand Seatrout are believed to be prolific spawners throughout the spring into the summer and there is substantial evidence to suggest that the Sand Seatrout cross spawn with other trout producing a larger Sand Seatrout-like hybrids.

The best time of year to catch Sand Seatrout is late spring into summer as the water temperatures warm.  They generally school together in bays, canals, and river channels on flats deeper than ten feet.  Sand Seatrout feed near the bottom on shrimp and small fish.  The best bait for Sand Seatrout is cut fish.  A small filet of fresh cut Croaker or Whiting is excellent.  A light to medium baitcaster or spinning reel is perfect for catching these trout.  Use a bottom fishing rig with a #1 to 2/0 circle hook and one ounce sinker.  If possible set out 2 or 3 rods and get ready to have some fun.  Trout are tasty but should be immediately placed in a Cooler to preserve the freshness and firmness.

Here's one more tip: At night try hanging a light so it shines into the water, rig a reel with a jig, add a small strip of cut fish and bounce the jig off the bottom.  Sand Seatrout are attracted to the light and will strike jigs aggressively.

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