Fishing for speckled trout has been outstanding in north Pinellas. The larger fish have been moving into very shallow water with the incoming tides and have been fairly easy to catch once located. Recent charters have produced double-digit numbers of fish heavier than 3 pounds with some 5 and 6 pounds. Slow-sinking lures are producing the best due to their subtle action in less than 3 feet of water.
The use of very light line helps draw a few more strikes when the water is clear. Eight-pound test monofilament is adequate and many anglers prefer to go lighter to keep it sporting. While a leader is not necessarily needed, a short section of 15-pound flourocarbon will keep you from having to retie your lure after each fish. Keep in mind the bag limit for trout longer than 20 inches is one per person.
