Drum & Croaker (Sciaenidae)
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
moderate to catchMar–May, Sep–NovPeak at 1 pier right now
About the spotted seatrout
Known locally as speckled trout or just 'specks,' the spotted seatrout is a favorite of Grand Strand pier anglers. They're aggressive feeders, especially during tidal changes, and their delicate white meat is considered some of the best eating on the coast.
- inshore
- game fish
- trout
- drum family
Where to find them
Piers that report spotted seatrout
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Peak season- Months
- Mar–Nov
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, MirrOlure
- Average size
- 14–20 in
- Pier record
- 12 lbs (SC state)
Excellent in the inlet waters. Fish around oyster beds and grass flats.
South Carolina rules
Keeping spotted seatrout
Spotted Seatrout
saltwater- Minimum size
- 14"
- Maximum size
- None
- Daily bag limit
- 10
- Closed season
- No gig harvest Dec 1 – Feb 28
TL
Rod & reel and gig only
Summarized from SCDNR. Limits change — confirm before you keep a fish at the SCDNR source.