Trout hold over seagrass in 2-4 feet of water — the flats inside Mayport, Sisters Creek, the back of Nassau Sound, and the Tolomato system south of the inlet. Bigger 'gator' trout (over 20 inches) push deeper, working the edges of grass flats where the bottom drops into channels. Cooler months they stack in deeper holes; summer they're back on the flats at first light.
Silvery body with distinctive black spots running along the upper back and into the tail. Lower jaw juts slightly past the upper. Florida slot is 15 to 19 inches with one fish over 19 allowed per day; bag limit 5 per angler in NE FL. Gator trout are anything over 20 inches and they're trophy fish — a 24-incher is a wall mount.
Trout fish year-round in NE FL but the rhythm shifts. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are the peak windows — water temps in the 65-78°F sweet spot, fish actively feeding on the flats. Summer the bite goes early-morning and late-evening only; mid-day they're suspended deep in the heat. Winter (December-February) they pile into deep holes — slow, methodical jigging on the bottom in 8-15 feet of water produces.
Topwater plug at first light over a grass flat. Work it slow — twitch, pause, twitch — the strike is the most explosive in inshore fishing, but they often miss on the first hit. If they swing and miss, freeze the plug, then twitch it again. They almost always come back. After the sun is up, switch to a popping cork with a DOA shrimp under it and work the same flat. Keep your leader at 20 lb fluoro, no heavier.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.