Spotted seatrout is the most caught fish by the growing fleet of AAP anglers – a group of sportsmen and women who are going to lead recreational fishing to a brighter future. Since 2012 nearly 1000 seatrout-directed trips have been logged, those trips averaging better than 3 hours per trip and anglers catching 1.75 fish per hour. That’s a good mess of trout!
As you likely know, Florida manages seatrout as a slot fishery – keeper fish must measure more than 15 inches and less than 20. There is an exception in that each angler is allowed to keep one lunker – your stringer can have one over-20 fish. Bag limits range from 4 to 6 fish, depending on your zone (see FWC’s easy to read details here). No matter what zone you fish, that’s a pretty generous limit, especially considering the point that trout don’t freeze all that well. Fantastic fresh – really one of the best; frozen… not so much.
Reading statistics and number charts isn’t for everyone. Those that really get off on that kind of thing probably don’t make up the largest segment of the fishing community. But often there is a story in the numbers, and sometimes that story can slap you upside the head with unstated exclamation points. Our trout numbers, I think, are pretty darned interesting. You’ll see that the AAP catch data can reveal some unexpected trends, and over time some powerful statements about the fisheries involved. Continue reading….