Speckled trout fishing in the waters off of Hilton Head, SC is a fun, relaxing and rewarding activity, especially when you have a little bit of insider information to help make your time on the water as successful as possible. The anglers at Hilton Head Fishing Charter have put three quick tips to use as a guide to help you on your next fishing trip.
The first step to a great catch is visualization. Imagining catching speckled trout can train your mind to make it happen when the time comes. So close your eyes and imagine feeling the warm briny salt air brush past. Overhead, sea birds move in perfect unison, while a great blue Egret stands tall wading in the grassy marsh. Your top water lure dances across the glassy water, while baitfish glisten just below the surface. BAM! Your bait lure worked and you’ve got yourself a speckled trout on the end of your line.
Now though that sounds like fun; when you try it for yourself you must remember these key things for fishing speckled trout:
Find the right location
Speckled trout can tolerate both low and high salinity waterways. You will find brackish water surrounding Hilton Head Island where the freshwater May River flows into the saltwater marshes and creeks. Speckled trout are primarily an ambush predator using natural and man-made structures to their advantage when hunting for food.
Structures such as bridge pilings, oyster beds, sandbars and land points are a favorite for speckled trout. If you’re fishing in a marsh grass flat, fishing in the cuts that lead to deeper water or channels is a successful strategy for reeling in larger, more mature trout.
Use the right bait
Small baitfish and minnows are palate pleasers for speckled trout. While small shrimp may be used as bait, you will most likely have more success throwing your lure with hard bait that mimics the trout’s prey such as minnows or small mullet.
Watch for signs from other wildlife
Seasoned fishermen know to watch wildlife for cues to the best spot to reel in monster trout. Seabirds will congregate in areas where there is an abundance of baitfish. Similarly, look for a stirring in the water and the flip of small metallic fish such as minnows.
If you’re serious about landing a monster trout, choose a qualified guide with knowledge of tried and true ‘honey holes’ off Hilton Head Island. Choosing the right speckled trout fishing guide can make the difference between catching monster trout and catching flies. The experienced guides at Hilton Head Fishing Charter can provide the expertise needed to make your day on the water a successful and rewarding fishing trip.