Florida Spotted Sea Trout Fishing
Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS
Cynoscion nebulosus
Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below; numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; black margin on posterior of tail; no barbels; no scales on the soft dorsal fin; one or two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw.
Similar Fish: other seatrouts.
Where found: INSHORE and/or NEARSHORE over grass, sand and sandy bottoms; move into slow-moving or still, deep waters in cold weather.
Size: common to 4 pounds on west coast, larger on east coast.
Florida Record: 15 lbs., 6 ozs.
Remarks: matures during first or second year and spawns INSHORE from March through November; often in association with seagrass beds; lives mainly in estuaries and moves only short distances; adults feed mainly on shrimp and small fish; prefers water temperatures between 58 and 81 degrees F and may be killed if trapped in shallow water during cold weather; longevity 8 to 10 years.
For more about Florida saltwater fish please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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Member
of Indian River Guides Association (IRGA) an organization established in 2000 to
protect the waters and fishery of the Indian River Lagoon System. |
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