Find These Signs And Find Specks

Not a “trout.”

Although the Gulf Coast has a huge trout population and healthy number of large fish, the habits of truly large trout are still mysterious in many ways.

But over the years I have noticed through my own experience as well as communication with anglers, biologists and other experts there are certain harbingers that signal the presence of big trout.

Not a “trout.”

*Researchers in Louisiana have found that manmade reefs attract trout because of the fact they concentrate bait fish and help them conserve energy by not having to move much to feed. All big fish prefer not to move more than they have to.

Since these reefs have a constant source of larger finfish that big trout prey on, artificial reefs whether placed to attract trout or simply a byproduct of a boat wreck can be a great spot to find big specks.

*Male trout make a “croaking” noise. If you catch a bunch of males in an area return there in the evening and prepare to fish late. Males will gather in a spawning aggregation and croak en masse to attract females. This is a highly overlooked time to find big trout at their peak weight.

*Big trout often suck topwaters under the surface instead of “blowing up” on it. If this happens to you, wait a second before setting the hook to give the trout a chance to take it in.

Additionally if you are fishing in a spot and you are hearing the “slurping” sound and it is perhaps followed by an emerging slick big trout are there.

*The biggest trout almost never school. A study conducted by researcher D.C. Tabb found that trout in excess of six years of age are nearly all large semi-solitary females. These are the giants we dream of catching and if you pay attention to these unusual harbingers, your chance of catching them wil rise.