There’s something downright thrilling about hooking a speckled trout. 

These fish are elusive, quick, and when they strike, they strike hard. 

For many anglers, the speckled trout is the ultimate prize—a fish that tests both your patience and skill. 

But let’s be real, landing one consistently isn’t just about luck. 

You need the right gear, and more importantly, the right lures in your arsenal. 

Here’s your ultimate guide to the top five lures that can help you master the art of speckled trout fishing.

1. Soft Plastic Jerkbaits

If there’s one lure that belongs in every speckled trout angler’s tackle box, it’s the soft plastic jerkbait. 

These lures do a fantastic job of mimicking injured baitfish, a sight that no speckled trout can resist. 

Their versatility allows you to fish them in a range of conditions, from shallow flats to deeper waters.

Why They Work:

• Realistic Action: The twitchy, erratic movement of a jerkbait closely resembles a wounded fish—a surefire way to draw in predatory trout.
• Versatility: Whether you’re fishing in shallow flats or deeper water, jerkbaits can be rigged on a jig head, weighted hook, or even fished weightless.
• Color Variety: With a spectrum of colors available, you can match your jerkbait to the local baitfish and water conditions, making them a versatile choice.

How to Fish Them:

• Rigging: For deeper waters, go with a 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig head. In shallower areas, weighted hooks work best.

• Retrieve Technique: Use a twitch-pause-twitch method to mimic an injured fish. Play around with the speed and intensity until you find what triggers a bite.

• Best Spots: Grass flats, sandy bottoms, and areas around oyster beds are prime locations for these lures.

2. Topwater Lures

There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of a speckled trout smashing a topwater lure.

 Especially effective during low-light conditions, these lures create a surface disturbance that’s almost guaranteed to draw fish up from the depths.

Why They Work:

• Visual Impact: The commotion these lures create on the surface is like a dinner bell for trout.

• Thrilling Strikes: The explosive action of a trout hitting a topwater lure is something every angler should experience.

• Lifelike Designs: Many topwater lures are crafted to look like struggling baitfish, making them hard for trout to resist.

How to Fish Them:

• Retrieve Technique: Master the “walk-the-dog” method by twitching your rod tip while reeling in. This creates a zigzag pattern that trout find irresistible.

• Best Times: Dawn, dusk, and overcast days are ideal for topwater fishing.

• Best Spots: Shallow flats, grass beds, and structures like docks and oyster bars are where you’ll want to cast these lures.

3. Popping Corks Paired with Soft Plastics

When the water’s murky or heavy vegetation is present, pairing a popping cork with a soft plastic can be a game-changer. 

The popping sound attracts trout, while the soft plastic lure beneath does the rest.

Why They Work:

• Attraction Factor: The popping sound mimics feeding fish, drawing trout right to your lure.

• Suspension: Keeps your soft plastic at the perfect depth, increasing your chances of a bite.

• Versatility: Whether you’re using shrimp or baitfish imitations, this setup works wonders.

How to Fish Them:

• Rigging: Attach a popping cork above a leader, with your soft plastic shrimp or minnow rigged on a jig head or weighted hook.

• Retrieve Technique: Pop the cork with sharp jerks of the rod to create noise, then pause to let the lure do its thing. Repeat this to maintain the lure’s action.

• Best Spots: Ideal for grassy flats, channels, and areas with heavy cover where trout are likely to be hiding.

4. Suspending Twitchbaits

When speckled trout are feeding at mid-depths, suspending twitchbaits are your go-to lure. 

These lures hover in the water column, mimicking a wounded baitfish—an easy target for any trout.

Why They Work:

• Natural Presentation: The ability to suspend in the water makes these lures look like an easy meal to a hungry trout.

• Slow Sinking: Some models sink slowly, adding to their lifelike appeal.

• Great for Cold Water: Especially effective during colder months when trout are less inclined to chase fast-moving lures.

How to Fish Them:

• Retrieve Technique: Use a series of twitches followed by pauses, allowing the lure to suspend in between actions.

• Depth Control: Adjust your retrieve speed to target different depths.

• Best Spots: Deeper flats, drop-offs, and structures like docks and jetties are where these lures shine.

5. Soft Plastic Shrimp Imitations

Shrimp are a speckled trout’s go-to meal, so it’s no surprise that soft plastic shrimp imitations are incredibly effective. 

These lures are lifelike and can be rigged to suit various fishing conditions.

Why They Work:

• Lifelike Appearance: These lures are designed to closely resemble real shrimp, making them irresistible to trout.

• Versatility: Fish them in shallow flats, deep channels, or anywhere in between.

• Year-Round Effectiveness: Trout feed on shrimp all year long, making these lures a reliable choice any time you hit the water.

How to Fish Them:

• Rigging: Rig them on a jig head, weighted hook, or under a popping cork.

• Retrieve Technique: Use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional twitches to mimic the natural movement of shrimp.

• Best Spots: Grass flats, sandy bottoms, and structures where shrimp are likely to be found are prime areas to fish these lures.

Tips for Boosting Your Speckled Trout Success

Having the right lure is half the battle. 

Here are a few extra tips to help you maximize your success when targeting speckled trout:

1. Match the Hatch: Pay attention to the size, color, and type of baitfish or shrimp in the area, and choose your lures accordingly.

2. Vary Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques until you find what the trout are responding to.

3. Go Light: Speckled trout are wary, so use light lines and fluorocarbon leaders to avoid spooking them.

4. Fish the Tides: Trout are more active during certain tidal movements. Focus your efforts on incoming and outgoing tides when baitfish are more likely to be present.

5. Stay Stealthy: Keep noise to a minimum when approaching fishing spots. Use a trolling motor or paddle to get into position quietly, and make long casts to cover more water without disturbing the fish.

6. Monitor Water Temperature: Speckled trout are sensitive to water temperature. In colder months, they gravitate to deeper, warmer waters, while in warmer months, you’ll find them in shallower areas.

Conclusion

When it comes to catching speckled trout, having the right lure makes all the difference. 

The five lures we’ve covered—soft plastic jerkbaits, topwater lures, popping corks with soft plastics, suspending twitchbaits, and soft plastic shrimp imitations—are all proven to get results. Understanding why these lures work and how to use them effectively is key to boosting your success on the water.

Remember, patience and a willingness to experiment with different lures and techniques are your best allies. 

With the right approach and these go-to lures, you’ll be landing speckled trout in no time. 

Tight lines!

Capt. Vince Bini