Tampa Bay target
Spotted Seatrout
Drift or fan cast grass edges and potholes with a popping cork and live shrimp.
Where
Grass flats, sandy potholes, oyster edges
When
Fall through spring; also early/late in warmer months · Sunrise and sunset
Bait
Live shrimp, soft plastics, suspending lures
Water
Moving water on grass flats
Make the first move practical
If you catch one, slow down and work the area — trout school by size.
Before You Fish
Minimum 15 inches total length
Bag limit: 3
Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor regions (2026 regional rules); inland, state, and adjacent federal waters
Checked against FWC: 2026-09-29
Regulations can change. FWC is the authority.