08-10-2004, 02:03 PM
Sand Seatrout
![[Image: fotw_seatroutsand.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full]](http://i.timeinc.net/fieldstream/images_small/fotw_seatroutsand.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full)
SEATROUT, SAND Cynoscion arenarius.
Other names: white trout, sand weakfish, white weakfish.
A member of the Sciaenidae family (drums and croakers), the sand seatrout is a small and frequently caught fish. Found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, it supports a minor commercial and sportfishing industry. It is closely related to the weakfish of the Atlantic coast.
Identification. Coloring is pale yellow on the back and silver to white below, without any real defined spots. Young sand seatrout have cloudy backs, sometimes forming crossbands. The inside of the mouth is yellow. There are 10 to 12 soft rays in the anal fin. It does not have any chin barbels, and can be distinguished from the silver seatrout by the presence of 10 anal rays, the silver seatrout having only 8 or 9.
Size. The average size is 10 to 12 inches in length, rarely weighing more than a pound. The all-tackle record is 6 pounds 2 ounces caught in Alabama.
Distribution. The sand seatrout occurs mainly in the Gulf of Mexico from the west coast of Florida through Texas and into Mexico as far south as the Gulf of Campeche. It may also be found on the extreme southeastern Atlantic portion of Florida.
Habitat. The sand seatrout is predominantly an inshore fish, found in bays and inlets. The young are found in shallow bays, particularly in less saline areas. Adult fish move offshore during winter months.
Spawning. There is a prolonged spawning season inshore from spring through summer. Fish mature during their first or second year.
Food and Feeding Habits. The main food source is shrimp and small fish.
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SEATROUT, SAND Cynoscion arenarius.
Other names: white trout, sand weakfish, white weakfish.
A member of the Sciaenidae family (drums and croakers), the sand seatrout is a small and frequently caught fish. Found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, it supports a minor commercial and sportfishing industry. It is closely related to the weakfish of the Atlantic coast.
Identification. Coloring is pale yellow on the back and silver to white below, without any real defined spots. Young sand seatrout have cloudy backs, sometimes forming crossbands. The inside of the mouth is yellow. There are 10 to 12 soft rays in the anal fin. It does not have any chin barbels, and can be distinguished from the silver seatrout by the presence of 10 anal rays, the silver seatrout having only 8 or 9.
Size. The average size is 10 to 12 inches in length, rarely weighing more than a pound. The all-tackle record is 6 pounds 2 ounces caught in Alabama.
Distribution. The sand seatrout occurs mainly in the Gulf of Mexico from the west coast of Florida through Texas and into Mexico as far south as the Gulf of Campeche. It may also be found on the extreme southeastern Atlantic portion of Florida.
Habitat. The sand seatrout is predominantly an inshore fish, found in bays and inlets. The young are found in shallow bays, particularly in less saline areas. Adult fish move offshore during winter months.
Spawning. There is a prolonged spawning season inshore from spring through summer. Fish mature during their first or second year.
Food and Feeding Habits. The main food source is shrimp and small fish.
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