In April, the Speckle Trout move to shallower waters for reproduction and feeding.    They will be in large schools at this point in the year.  Speckle Trout generally hang out near drop-offs, near the safe haven of deeper waters.  They also use any kind of cover, such as bridges, rock piles and even docked boats.   A quiet approach is needed so as to not spook the fish, but it is rare that you spot them before they spot you.  The best way to hook a Speckle Trout is to wadefish, as a boat makes too much noise.  A long cast will keep the distance between you and the fish, making you harder for the fish to detect.  Employ slow retrieve tactics to bring your fish in. As a general rule, big trout are a lazy bunch.  Use big bait with medium shrimp being the best option as they stay active on the hook a while longer than the larger varieties.  Loud surface lures are a good option as well, as the more noise your bait makes, the more trout will be attracted. Once hooked, a great deal of care is needed when handling the Speckle Trout.  They are much less tolerant on the catch and release then their redfish counterparts.  Wet your hands before handling your catch, and use a de-hooking device if at all possible.  Touch them as little as possible to make your release successful. Good luck and good fishing!

It’s reel review time! Every Saturday we throw one of the hottest fishing reels your way. You may see a simple bass reel review, or possibly a huge Penn deep sea reel.

Today, we’re going to review the Mitchell 300x Series Spinning Reel, that you can buy right now for 58% off!!!

Tricky line changes? Your no-hassle solution is this Mitchell 300x Series Spinning Reel. Stop carrying an extra rod to handle line malfunctions! This Mitchell Reel lets you switch the spools out quickly and painlessly. And you still get the smooth drive and rugged, dependable construction the Mitchell name is known for.

So the next time you want to put in a full day, without respooling line… bring the one setup that can handle it all!

More: 5-bearing design, with one-way roller bearing for instant anti-reverse; Rugged worm gear oscillation; Right / left retrieve; Aluminum spool, with extra graphite spool for quick line changes.

300X, 6.1:1 gear ratio. 8-lb. / 240-yd. capacity. Weighs 11 ozs.; 310X, 4.9:1 gear ratio. 4-lb. / 100-yd. capacity. Weighs 7.2 ozs.; 306X, 4.6:1 gear ratio. 14-lb. / 210-yd. capacity. Weighs 17 ozs.

This reel is originally $60, but on sale right now for only $24.97! Buy it now!

It’s no secret that Shimano is one of the top reel producing companies in the world, and they stepped it up a notch with the Stradic 2500FH. It comes with ARB ball bearings that have corrosion resistant coating that protects the bearings and increases their life by 10 times. This reel also has Super Slow Oscillation gives the best line lay and longer castability.

DynaBalanceTM stops rotor wobble, giving you smooth retrieves. You won’t feel any jerk action with the reel. And SuperStopperTM anti-reverse gives Quicker hooksets. There is also an external maintenance port for drivetrain lubrication.

Other features: spare aluminum spool, oversized ball bearing roller guide, super fast gear ratios, stainless shafts, four ball bearings plus one roller bearing and stainless bail. Line Capacity: 140/8. Gear Ratio: 6.0:1.

The Shimano – Stradic 2500FH Spinning Reel can be had for under $100, so I don’t know what you’re waiting for. It’s a top of the line reel at a moderate price.