Ever cast your line out, hoping for that tell-tale tug of a speckled trout, only to come up empty? You see those fish jumping, you know they are there, but getting them to bite can feel like a mystery. Choosing the perfect lure for speckled trout can be tricky. Do you pick a shiny spoon, a colorful jig, or maybe a soft plastic bait? The sheer number of choices can leave any angler scratching their head, wondering what will actually work today.
Stop wasting time and money on lures that just sit at the bottom of your tackle box! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best types of lures that consistently attract those beautiful, speckled beauties. You will learn exactly what makes a lure effective in different water conditions and seasons. Get ready to fill your cooler!
By the end of this post, you will have a clear strategy for selecting the right gear every time you hit the water. Let’s dive right into the secrets of successful speckled trout lure selection.
Top Fishing Lures For Speckled Trout Recommendations
- Slow-sinking twitch/walking lure with erratic action mimics prominent in-shore forage and catches all species of inshore game-fish, including speckled trout, redfish, striped bass and more.
- Can be fished quickly across the surface in a walk-the-dog fashion to catch active fish hitting the surface, but also can be walked slowly under the surface to catch more inactive fish.
- Strong, #2 saltwater grade hooks and durable corrosion-resistant body and hardware to handle the toughest conditions and even the toothiest fish.
- Features a unique super-slow-sinking action that catches fish with a variety of retrieves; Weighs 5/8-ounce and casts well even against the ever-present wind.
- Effective size and colors: At 3 ½-inches in length, the Mullet fits into the most-effective size category to appeal to all inshore fish; Available in 8 saltwater-specific color patterns that fish love.
- Package Content: 8 Pack of 3 inch "Shrimp Creole" color Matrix soft plastic fishing lures. The Matrix Shad “shrimp creole” color is a perfect match for clear water. The bait is clear sprinkled with glitter and a nice reflective coat. Of course the Matrix Shad “shrimp creole” features the classic paddle tail combined with an extremely tough bait to make the perfect mixture of durability and action. When the shrimp are in this is the go to bait.
- 🐟 Saltwater & Freshwater Lures: These lures work best for Bass, Speckled Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder. These are the original Matrix Shad paddletail swimbaits brought to you by the good folk of Matrix Shad deep down in Southern Louisiana. The Matrix Shad catches fish!
- 🎣 Different Colors For Different Environments: We have multiple colors available to fit every different environment. These colors have been tested and proven to work. Whether you like our popular Matrix Green Hornet color, Shrimp Creole, our glow-in-the-dark variations, or even a chartreuse swimbait color, we've got you covered.
- 🐟 Durable Soft Plastic: The Matrix Shad swim baits are the most durable soft plastic lures on the market. You can trust that our lures will last a long time and will help you catch many fish. The plastic that we use which really makes this lure great, it's very durable, it's very tough. The Matrix paddle tail is a saltwater grade plastic. You may have days with dozens of fish on one lure only. We recommend pairing with the Matrix Goldeneye jig heads for fishing around Louisiana and beyond.
- 🎣 Check Out The Rest Of The Matrix Lineup - Matrix Shad provides some of the best soft lures, fishing line, floats, jig heads, craws, and gear out there. Created by the good folk down at Matrix Shad and DockSide TV in Southern Louisiana to make sure you keep reelin' in those table fare keepers. Just search for Matrix Shad to see our other products.
- REALISTIC AND PRACTICAL: With lifelike 3D eyes, conspicuous colors, sturdy material and stable structure. Sharp triple hook can pierce prey easily.
- SIGNIFICANT ATTRACTION: The combination of walk-the-dog fishing technology and the sound emitted by the built-in rolling steel ball can effectively attract fish in water and on the surface of water.
- LONG CASTING DISTANCE. Bullet head design reduces air resistance and built-in rolling steel ball precisely increases the weight of the top water fishing lure, making it easy to achieve the desired projection distance.
- APPLICABLE PREY: Suitable for nearshore predatory fish, such as Bass, Pike, Striper, Speckled Trout, Yellow Bass, Walleye, muskie, Redfish etc.
- PRODUCT PARAMETERS: 5PCS different color top water lures. Length: 3.94in. Width: 0.71in. Weight 0.46oz/PCS. Hook Size: #6.
- Slow-sinking twitch/walking lure with erratic action mimics prominent in-shore forage and catches all species of inshore game-fish, including speckled trout, redfish, striped bass and more.
- Can be fished quickly across the surface in a walk-the-dog fashion to catch active fish hitting the surface, but also can be walked slowly under the surface to catch more inactive fish.
- Strong, #2 saltwater grade hooks and durable corrosion-resistant body and hardware to handle the toughest conditions and even the toothiest fish.
- Features a unique super-slow-sinking action that catches fish with a variety of retrieves; Weighs 5/8-ounce and casts well even against the ever-present wind.
- Effective size and colors: At 3 ½-inches in length, the Mullet fits into the most-effective size category to appeal to all inshore fish; Available in 8 saltwater-specific color patterns that fish love.
- Item Package Dimensions: 19.304 L X 8.128 W X 3.302 H (Cm)
- Product Type: Fishing Hook
- Item Package Weight: 0.100 Pounds
- Country Of Origin: China
- Can Handle The Most Voracious Species
- √ Glow in The Dark - The Luminous Shrimp Lure set is good for night fishing, Luminous material put on the inner hook.
- √ Premium Quality - Shrimp Lures are made of top quality silicone material,This makes lure soft and durable, life-like swimming actions.
- √ Lifelike Looking - High-quality forged shrimp, vivid and lifelike looking, easy to catch fish.
- √ Easy to Use - The Shrimp Lures are very easy to use.Just need to connect the fishing line,hook it up and use to lure the best fish you ever could.
- √ Good for - Catfish, Bass, Perch, Whiting, Snapper, Snakehead, Flounder, Jewfish, Kingfish, Mandarin Fish, Trout.
- Contains 2 Four Horsemen Tackle Boom Boom Shrimp baits with 1/8 oz Deathgrip Jighead hooks.
- The Boom Boom shrimp is a plastic that imitates shrimp swimming. The bait is formed around a death grip weighted jig head and performs best when suspended 24" - 36" under a cork.
- After two years of trials and tweaks we landed on this design and couldn't be happier. Just as our corks are known as the most durable and longest lasting on the water, the Boom Boom Shrimp will outperform and sustain many limits of fish.
- Born in Louisiana. Created by fishermen.
- Four Horsemen Tackle stands behind the quality of our fishing lures. If for any reason you aren't satisfied with your 4 horseman fishing, let us know and we'll make it right.
- METAL JOINT LIFELIKE LURES - Designed with metal joint body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and moves flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike
- HIGH SIMULATION - With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, this swimbait appears very delicate and vivid that looks like a real fish. A perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes.
- ULTRA-SHARP TREBLE HOOKS: The lures fishing plugs are equipped with exclusive custom fishing hooks, which featuring anti-rust, high corrosion resistance, and superb piercing power. Plus, we use flexible and powerful fabrics for the fish lures, making these fishing baits the most reliable fishing gear for bass fishing
- BASS VIBRATION - Made of high-quality ABS material and equipped with built-in rattle, this vibe lure can continuously emit the fish sound wave to during the swimming to provoke the feeding urge of the fishes and induce them to attack.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - This bass fishing lure can be widely used to catch bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook. salmon etc. This swimbait is quite suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Speckled Trout Lures
Speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are fun to catch. They love to eat many different kinds of bait. Choosing the right lure makes a huge difference. This guide helps you pick the best lures for your next fishing trip.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for speckled trout lures, look closely at these important features.
- **Action:** This means how the lure moves in the water. Speckled trout often strike lures that wobble or dart. A good action mimics a fleeing baitfish.
- **Size and Profile:** Match the lure size to the size of the natural bait in your fishing spot. Small, slender lures often work best for smaller trout. Bigger lures attract bigger fish.
- **Color:** Color matters a lot! Bright colors like chartreuse or white work well in murky water. Natural colors, like silver or gold, shine in clear water.
- **Vibration/Sound:** Some lures have rattles inside. These noises attract fish from far away, especially when visibility is low.
Important Materials for Durability and Performance
The material your lure is made from affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
Hard plastic lures are very common. They are durable and hold paint well. Soft plastic lures, often made of scented PVC or vinyl, feel more like real food to the fish. Metal jigs are great for deep water because they sink fast. Always check the hooks. Stainless steel hooks resist rust, which is important when fishing in saltwater.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Good quality lures last longer and catch more fish.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- **High-Quality Hooks:** Sharp, strong hooks hook fish better and keep them hooked.
- **Durable Paint Jobs:** Paint that resists chipping when hitting rocks or the fish’s mouth stays attractive longer.
- **Secure Hardware:** Swivels and split rings must be strong so big trout cannot break them.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- **Flimsy Plastic:** Cheap plastic can tear easily when a toothy fish bites it.
- **Dull Hooks:** Dull hooks slide out of the fish’s mouth easily.
- **Poor Balance:** A lure that doesn’t swim correctly when retrieved wastes your time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish. This helps you choose the right lure type.
If you fish over grass flats or shallow water, topwater lures are exciting. These lures sit on the surface and create a commotion. For fishing around docks or submerged structure, weedless soft plastics are excellent. They let you fish near cover without snagging. When the water is deep or the current is strong, weighted jigs are your best friend. They get down fast to where the trout are holding.
Remember, speckled trout often feed early in the morning or late in the evening. Match your lure color to the light conditions. Bright colors shine during low light. Natural colors work better when the sun is high.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Speckled Trout Lures
Q: What are the best colors for speckled trout lures in clear water?
A: In clear water, use natural colors like silver, white, or light shad patterns. These look most like real baitfish.
Q: Do scented lures really work better for speckles?
A: Yes, many anglers believe scented soft plastics help because they make the trout hold onto the lure longer. This gives you more time to set the hook.
Q: Should I use topwater lures year-round?
A: Topwater lures work best when the water is warm, usually spring through early fall. Speckled trout often stay deeper when the water gets cold.
Q: What size jig head should I use with a soft plastic tail?
A: Start with a 1/8 ounce jig head in calm, shallow water. Use 1/4 ounce or heavier if you need to cast farther or fish deeper.
Q: Are treble hooks better than single hooks for trout?
A: Treble hooks (the ones with three points) often lead to more hookups. However, many anglers switch to single, strong hooks because they are easier and safer to remove from the fish.
Q: How fast should I retrieve a suspending jerkbait for trout?
A: Jerkbaits need an erratic retrieve. Try a twitch-twitch-pause method. The pause is often when the trout strikes!
Q: What is the most important factor when choosing a lure?
A: Matching the lure size and action to what the speckled trout are naturally eating that day is the most important factor.
Q: How do I prevent my soft plastics from tearing quickly?
A: Use a high-quality, sharp hook. Also, rig them carefully to avoid unnecessary stress points on the plastic body.
Q: When should I use spoons instead of soft plastics?
A: Spoons are great when trout are aggressively chasing baitfish near the surface or when you need a lure that flashes a lot of light.
Q: Do loud rattles scare away speckled trout?
A: Generally, no. Speckled trout are often attracted to noise, especially in low light or murky conditions. However, if the fish are very finicky, a silent lure might be better.