Species guide

How to catch Spotted weakfish

Cynoscion nebulosus

#0090

Stylized 2D illustration of Spotted weakfish
#0090BrackishSaltwaterGame FishBrackishSaltwaterNorth AmericaAtlanticGulf Of Mexico

The spotted weakfish, also known as spotted seatrout, is a popular game fish found along the North American Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. It has a sleek, fusiform body and often inhabits shallow estuaries and coastal waters. This predator feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

Where they live

Found in river estuaries, shallow coastal marine waters, salt marshes, and tidal pools with sandy bottoms and seagrass beds in brackish to saltwater environments along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico.

Typical size

Up to about 100 cm

What they eat

  • small fish
  • crustaceans
  • blue crab species

Best baits

  • shrimp
  • small fish strips
  • crab

Best lures

  • soft plastic jigs
  • topwater plugs
  • suspending minnow lures

How to fish for them

  • casting near seagrass beds
  • bottom fishing in estuaries
  • using light tackle for active retrieval

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