Top 3 Spotted Seatrout Fishing Spots in Florida: A Captain’s Guide

If you’re lookin’ to hook into some gator trout, you’re in the right place. Florida’s got some of the best spotted seatrout fishing in the world, and if you know where to go, you can have yourself a day you’ll be talkin’ about for years. Now, listen up, because I’m gonna let you in on three of the best spots to chase these fanged devils, along with a few pointers on how to find ‘em.

East Central Florida – Indian River Lagoon (New Smyrna to Stuart)

First up, we’ve got the legendary Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a stretch of water that’s produced some absolute monster seatrout over the years. This place is a shallow-water angler’s paradise—mangroves, grass flats, and plenty of baitfish make it prime trout territory. When the water’s clear, it’s like fishin’ in an aquarium. The lagoon has given up some of the biggest specks on record, including a 17-pound world-record trout out of Fort Pierce.

Best time to fish: Winter and spring. Cooler water means more active fish, and when the spring spawn kicks in, the big females get extra aggressive.

Top tips:

• Target shallow grass flats early in the morning with topwater lures.
• Soft plastics and live shrimp are killer around mangrove edges.
• If you’re sight fishing, move slow—these fish can spook easy in calm water.

Heads up: The IRL has had some rough years with algae blooms and habitat loss. Check in with local reports before you go, because bad water conditions can shut the bite down fast.

West Central Florida – Tampa Bay (Tampa to Bradenton)

Next, we head to the Gulf side—Tampa Bay. This place is a seatrout factory, with endless grass flats, potholes, and oyster bars that hold fish year-round. What makes it special? The fish here have a buffet of baitfish, and they take full advantage of it. Big trout love these shallows, where they can ambush prey without worrying about larger predators.

Best time to fish: Like the IRL, winter and spring are prime. The cooler months concentrate trout in shallower water, and springtime sees the big females putting on the feed bag before spawning.

Top tips:

• Look for trout holding in sandy potholes surrounded by grass.
• Drifting live bait under a popping cork is a surefire way to get bit.
• Early morning topwater action can be lights out on calm days.

Warning: Tampa Bay got hammered by red tide a few years back, and while the fishery is bouncing back, water quality issues can still be a problem. Keep an eye on local conditions before making a trip.

Northeast Florida – Jacksonville to St. Augustine (The Sleeper Spot)

Now, most folks don’t think of Northeast Florida when they picture trophy trout fishing, but let me tell ya—this place is a hidden gem. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and St. Johns River create a mix of salt and freshwater that trout thrive in. Unlike the grass flats down south, you’ll be fishin’ around spartina grass, oyster bars, and deep river channels.

Best time to fish: Fall through early spring. Northeast Florida gets cooler than the rest of the state, which fires up the trout bite.

Top tips:

• Fish the outgoing tide when bait gets flushed out of the marsh.
• Target oyster bars and structure with live shrimp or soft plastics.
• Pay attention to the tides—this region has bigger swings, and trout feed when the water moves.

Why it’s unique: Unlike other parts of Florida, this area doesn’t suffer from algae blooms as much, thanks to its natural water circulation. If trout fishing gets tough down south, this might just be your best bet.

Florida’s trout fishery is one of the best in the country, but it ain’t what it used to be in some places. Water quality issues are hitting certain areas hard, and if we don’t take care of these ecosystems, we could lose ‘em for good. If you’re serious about fishing (and keepin’ it alive for the next generation), check out organizations like Captains for Clean Water, Save the Indian River Lagoon, and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper to stay informed and do your part.

That said, if you hit one of these three spots at the right time, you’re in for some of the best trout fishing of your life. Tight lines and happy hunting!