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Artificial baits for sea trout in coastal N.C.
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Saltwater Assassin baits for sea trout.
Two species of sea trout are available to anglers who fish the North Carolina coast. Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulous), also known as speckled trout, and gray sea trout (Cynoscion regalis), commonly referred to as weakfish, inhabit the state’s inshore waters. These fish are among the most popular targets of inshore fishing. There are a number of artificial baits that work for these fish.
Sea trout have diets that include just about anything that they can fit in their mouths. They feed on baitfish, such as mullet, pinfish, menhaden, anchovies, and sardines, as well as on crabs, shrimp, and squid. There are many lures and baits that mimic these morsels, which are often very productive when fishing for sea trout.
Jigging for trout is the most popular way of catching these fish. Got-Cha jigheas in any colors, weighted at 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz, and rigged with curly-tailed grubs work wonders for trout. It is important to have a wide array of grub bodies in different colors and sizes, as sea trout can at times be selective, but some colors (and color combinations) that usually work are white, white and chartreuse, white and pink, rootbeer, and smoke. Four inches is a good median length for these baits. After casting, the grubs should be allowed to sink, and then twitched up with the rod, and after the slack line is reeled, the process should repeat. Fish often strike as the lure is sinking back to the bottom.
Other artificial baits, such as soft plastic jerk baits often work well for sea trout. Saltwater Assassin flukes, rigged with jigheads or worm hooks are great baits. In shallow, grassy areas, jerkbaits may be fished without weight, although something that sinks the lures is recommended for deeper waters. Sometimes trout congregate in deep holes in sandy bottom areas, and jigging for trout with spoons often works for such fish. This is done by dropping the spoon to the bottom, and then bouncing it slowly up and down with the rod. On calm days, top water plugs may be used when trout are seen busting baitfish or shrimp near the shore, particularly in backwater areas.
Sea trout are one of the most popular inshore fish in the Carolinas, and fortunately, they are versatile fish that may be caught using many different angling techniques.
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