Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Silver Seatrout

SILVER SEATROUT - Cynoscion nothus Family Sciaenidae, DRUMS

Description: pale straw-colored above, silvery sides and white below; no distinctive pigmentation, although faint diagonal lines may be present on upper body; 8 to 9 rays in the anal fin; large eyes; short snout; one to two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw; lower half of tail longer than upper half.
Similar fish: other seatrouts.
Where found: most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms OFFSHORE along the Gulf coast.
Size: usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).
Remarks: smallest seatrout; spawns OFFSHORE in deep water during spring, summer, and fall; feeds 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.