The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission ( GSMFC)’s regional management plan clarifies a frequently misunderstood aspect of speckled trout behavior: feeding. One scientist found that spotted seatrout fed more strongly in the first afternoon and mid-morning, according to the research.
He also pointed out that while feeding, spotted seatrout appeared to be re-using portions of the meal, which floated to the floor and sprayed the food with oil. This finding may explain why fishermen frequently search for” slicks” when attempting to locate feeding and schooling spotted seatrout.
( Photo: Terry Upton )
If you approach these slicks properly, fishing them can be very successful. Here are a few pointers for slick-targeting striped salmon:
Find Emerging Slicks: The healthier the elegant, the better your chances of finding deliberately feeding trout. A soft emerging from a place will have a thick, oily sheen on the surface and occasionally a strong, citrusy smell that some anglers describe as a combination of watermelon and sand. Older slicks disperse and lose their distinctive luster, suggesting that the fish does have moved on.
Cast Down-Current: When you find a soft, cast somewhat down-current from it. Trout usually swim just below the soft, feeding on the vestiges of baitfish. The current will hold the scent and contaminants from the soft down-current, drawing more salmon toward that way.
Try various lure retrieval methods because speckled trout can be suspended under the soft at various depths. If you do n’t get any bites right away, switch to soft plastics or jig heads for deeper presentations. Start with a surface lure or a popping cork to mimic injured baitfish near the top.
Use Mullet Imitations For Big Specks: GSMFC also pointed out that another scientist “observed that document shrimp crops were occurring during their meals habits study, but spotted seatrout were not using them to a great extent.” Although shrimp were present, Miles ( 1951 ) found that mullet were the preferred food for spotted seatrout”. So, using lures that imitate mullet—like swimbaits or topwater wires that resemble fleeing mullet—can improve your catch rate around slicks.
Watch the Slick’s Sizing: A slick‘s size may also give you clues. Larger slicks may indicate that a school of trout is constantly feeding in the area, while smaller, isolated slicks frequently indicate that only a small number of fish are feeding. If the elegant is huge and seems to keep expanding, you’re good in the appropriate spot for regular action.
Stay Mobile: If a slick starts to dissipate or you’re not getting bites after a few casts, do n’t hesitate to move on. Because of the portable nature of most schools, you have a better chance of finding active feeders.
