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Silver seatrout

Cynoscion nothus

Silver seatrout© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Silver seatrout (Cynoscion nothus) is a popular coastal game fish prized for its strong yet manageable fight and mild, flaky flesh. It frequents shallow marine and brackish waters, often around estuaries and seagrass beds, making it accessible to shore and light‑boat anglers. Its size tops out at about 36 cm (14 inches), offering a quick, rewarding bite for casual and experienced anglers alike.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Sciaenidae

Max Size

36 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

2-18m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring (March‑May) and Fall (September‑November) when water temperatures are moderate

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, especially during low light periods

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Silver seatrout

  • Use a light spinning setup with 2‑6 lb test line to feel the subtle strikes
  • Present live shrimp or small baitfish near the surface or just below using a jig or soft plastic lure
  • Target areas with moving water or tidal currents where silver seatrout feed on schooling baitfish
  • Cast near grass flats, oyster reefs, or mangrove edges during low light for best results

Top Fishing Locations for Silver seatrout

Chesapeake Bay (Upper Bay)

United States
beginner55% Common

Rich estuarine waters with abundant baitfish; a classic springtime target for silver seatrout.

Best: April-June

Matagorda Bay

United States
intermediate68% Common

Sheltered bays and marshes of the Texas Gulf Coast where silver seatrout feed on shrimp and crabs.

Best: May-September

Florida Keys (Key Largo)

United States
intermediate75% Very Common

Clear offshore flats and channels attract large schools of silver seatrout during summer.

Best: June-October

Exuma Sound (Bahamas)

Bahamas
intermediate45% Occasional

Turbid waters around the Exuma Cays provide ideal ambush points for silver seatrout.

Best: July-September

intermediate38% Occasional

Protected bay with mangrove-lined channels; known for consistent silver seatrout action in fall.

Best: September-November

Cozumel (South Shore)

Mexico
expert52% Common

Southern coast reefs and drop‑offs where silver seatrout hunt schooling fish; a bucket‑list destination.

Best: May-October

Rio de Janeiro Coast (Itacoatiara)

Brazil
expert22% Uncommon

Rougher Atlantic surf zones; silver seatrout are less common but can be found during the austral summer.

Best: December-February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Silver seatrout

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 6‑7 ft, medium action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft plastic shad, small spoons, or topwater poppers
TechniqueCasting and retrieving soft plastics or jigging live bait near structure

Best bait: Live shrimp, minnows, or cut bait