Gray Trout (also called Weakfish)
You can find gray
trout from the
Carolinas north to
New England with
very large
concentrations of fish found between the Chesapeake
Bay and Montauk, Long Island. They are mostly an
inshore fish found less than a mile offshore. Many fish
can be found along the surf and in the sounds, bays and
rivers. Some fish grow as large as 15 pounds, but most
fish that are caught average 2 to 4 pounds.
Catching Gray Trout (Weakfish)
From late spring through autumn, small boaters, surf and
jetty fishermen, and pier and bridge anglers have a blast
catching weakfish. Light to medium action spinning gear
is all that is needed for weakfish. If you happen to run into
a very large fish, just let them run. Don’t horse them in.
Chumming is popular for catching weakfish. Tiny grass
shrimp are the best chum. Throw a half dozen or so out
at a time. Successful fishermen will throw a few shrimp out
in the current and let their line drift out with the chum.
After 90 to 100 feet, bring your line in and start over. If
you are fishing with shrimp and you can keep your bait in
the chum line, you have some nice, steady action. Some
anglers get a hit every cast with this method.
Artificial lures will also work. Any lure that imitates shrimp,
crabs or squid will work for weakfish. Jigs, swimming plugs
and darters are the most popular lures for catching
weakfish. You can cast or troll these lures. Weakfish are
good for eating, but their meat is a little soft. The meat
should be eaten right away because it keep its flavor
when frozen.
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