Sand Trout

SAND SEATROUT - Cynoscion arenarius Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS

 Description: pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth usually at tip of upper jaw; inside of mouth yellow; no well-defined black spots on back; 10 to 12 soft rays in anal fin; no chin barbels.
Similar fish: silver seatrout, C. nothus.
Where found: adults predominantly found INSHORE residing in bays and inlets, but may move OFFSHORE during winter months; young occur INSHORE in shallow bays.
Size: usually less than 1 pound (10 to 12 inches).
Remarks: matures during first or second year; prolonged inshore spawning season extends through spring and summer; feeds mainly on small fish and shrimp.

The Sand Seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius) and Silver Seatrout (Cynoscion nothus) are distinguished from the Spotted Seatrout or "Speck" by the absence of spots. The Sand Trout has a pinkish sheen on the upper sides while the Silver Seatrout is grayer.

Sand Trout are found in deeper bay areas, channels, and in the shallow Gulf. Silver Seatrout are primarily found in the Gulf in 3 to 10 fathoms of water. Both species feed on small fish and crustaceans. The best baits for both species is cut fish and shrimp fished near the bottom. They are attracted to light and many fishermen catch them using jigs under lights or around gas flares form oil and gas production rigs.

These trout make excellent table fair, but should be put on ice immediately to retain the firmness of the flesh.