Tidal flow and height, water clarity, sunlight, water temperature, wind are important factors when you target these critters. Look for them in the shallows on a flood tide and a cloudy day. They will move to 8 to 12 feet of water on a bright day and a falling tide.

It’s real difficult to catch them on the drift when the wind is blowing. You cannot keep your lures on the bottom. You cannot feel the trout pickup the offering. You need to look for clear and cool water. The falling water temperature is really making the trout more active feeders.

You can hook ‘em up on a variety of lures and live bait. Casting jerk baits and a variety of plastics with just enough of a lead head to touch the bottom on the drop is a good way to pursue these critters.

Color is important. Pink with sparkle is my go-to color. Chartreuse and white will also produce well. Shakey-head heads make an excellent presentation to further entice. Use 1/8 to 3/8th heads depending on the flow and water depth. Use just enough weight to allow the tail to naturally drift to the bottom.

Casting topwater and suspended plugs such as mirOlures lures are a good choice when you are bothered by bluefish in the area.

As for live bait it’s hard to bead a fat minnow under a noise making bobber. Work the bobber with stop and go pulses. Make as much noise with the bobber as you can to attract the fish. Drifting peeler crab either under a bobber or on the bottom can be very productive.

Use a fast tip rod to allow for maximum casting distance and to stay hooked-up with the fish. Braid is very beneficial to remain in contact with the bottom and to better feel the pickup. Ten to twenty pound is recommended with or without a 20 pound florocarbon leader.

Use a 7 foot rod for better distance and a fast spinning reel with a smooth drag.The bite usually will be very subtle. It’s essential to keep the slack out of your line and hook the fish on the bump. Keep your rod tip high and bring him to the net quickly but without any excessive pressure. They have soft mouths and can easily come off the hook.

Tackle selection is important but the key to successful is to find the elusive trout. Shallows on high outgoing tides and deeper on bright days and stay home if the wind is howling. Look for surface activity - small bunker or anchovies being chased or feeding bluefish. Fish below the surface action.

Have a net ready. These fish can easily exceed 24 inches and fight hard. This fishery is a welcome sight to anglers who are anxiously awaiting the rockfish to school up in the mid-bay area. They are plentiful, scrappy fighters, a challenge to catch and excellent to eat if you keep them fresh. Get in on the action and capture your spectacular speckled trout!