BigBendFishing.Net

I am a east coast guy and have lived from Jax Bch to Key West and a couple islands here and there and have targeted many species with alot of different tactics. When I moved here a couple years ago I found that trout was one of the targeted fish for this area. I get why, but I wanted to find out what tactics and lures some of you guys use throughout the year.

IMO

Lures - My favorite are the Rapala Skitter Walks. After that is probably the Chug-Bug. Anything big and loud to call 'em up. When they aren't hitting top water, the Catch 2000 suspended bait is good. Of course there's always the gold spoon. Bite-a-baits seem to be popular as well. Gulp Jerk bait on a jig head is a good one too.

Float fishing - You can't go wrong with a Cajun Thunder and shrimp (live or artificial). I use live shrimp and New Penny Gulp Shrimp a bit with my CT's. Haven't been skunked yet. It will always catch something. Live pin fish under the CT are the ticket as well. If you catch a lady fish you can cut a fillet about 4 inches, split one end of it about two inches up and hook through the other end. Put that under a CT. We've caught some big fish (sometimes they are sharks) with that combo.

Good luck!

I like to use a Series III Topdog to search out for Trout. I have also used Bite-A-Bait and Series III Catch 2000.

I'll second the Skitterwalk (#1 on my list) ... also like the Zara Super Spooks and Top Dogs for topwater plugs.. see my name for my favorite swimming plug..

I have had good luck with a top water "mirror lure" with an orange belly.

Wow..
Can't believe I forgot about the Bone color Super Zara Spook
Many O trout were slayed last year on one of these bad boys.

SENKO !!!!! rigged with #4 weedless hook is my "go to" bait...I like the "brighter" colors

I love topwater... Chug Bug is #1 with me.

For a first timer it is hard to beat a Cajun thunder / gulp on a jig head combo.

A redfish magic lure with a gulp shrimp on it instedad of the plastic grub that comes on it. This has worked every time for me, it might just be the gulp though.

Bite-a-Bait (fighter series) #1 Skitter walk (silver mullet) #2 both soaked overnight in Gulp Juice

Topwater - Bite-a-Bait in gold or silver (if you can find them) or She Dog in Chrome or the Super Spook

Twitchbait - Bite-a-bait slimline in gold or silver, the Bite-a-bait fighter in gold or chrome, or the Sebile minnow

The TSS - either Gulp or non-Gulp

Light jighead with a gulp JS

I've got some new baits for this year that I can't wait to try out once the water warms just a tad more.

My favorite is a Cajun Thunder with a 18" steel leader with a Live Jerry's Shrimp!

My favorite is a Cajun Thunder with a 18" steel leader with a Live Jerry's Shrimp!

Chrome Super Spook in the spring or morning
In summer Storm Jerkshad or suspending Catch 2000

On those calm Spring mornings, you can't beat the popping cork hotdog combo.

On those calm Sping evenings, switch to the Vienna.