Saltwater species guide
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Identification
Silvery sides below a gray-green back, dark spots on the back and fins, and prominent canine teeth in the upper jaw.
Habitat & biology
Uses coastal bays and estuaries, including shallow seagrass habitat. Seasonal temperature changes can shift its distribution. Food changes with fish size: smaller fish eat crustaceans, while larger trout eat more fish.
TPWD species reference ↗Bay references & eating guidance
These waters have documented catches. That does not make each one a regular target fishery.
Galveston Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
East Matagorda Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Matagorda Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
San Antonio Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Aransas Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Copano Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Corpus Christi Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Baffin Bay
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Upper Laguna Madre
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→
Lower Laguna Madre
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Main bay target→