Spotted Seatrout
Corvina · also Corvina pinta
Cynoscion nebulosus · Sciaenidae
- Category
- Corvina & Croaker
- Found in
- Gulf of Mexico
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
About Spotted Seatrout in Mexico
How to recognize it
Spotted seatrout are slender fish with a silvery body tinged dark gray or blue-green on the back, and numerous round black spots scattered across the upper sides, dorsal fin and tail. Two prominent canine teeth in the upper jaw stand out, and the inside of the mouth is often yellow-orange. There are no chin barbels. The weakfish and silver seatrout look similar but lack the bold spotting.
Where and when in Mexico
Mexico's official name is simply corvina, with many anglers adding pinta to distinguish it. It is a fish of shallow Gulf of Mexico bays, grass flats and estuaries, and the best-known Mexican water for it is the Laguna Madre of Tamaulipas. Smaller numbers turn up farther south in the coastal lagoons of Veracruz. Spring and fall are usually the most reliable, with fish moving to deeper channels during cold fronts and the heat of summer.
How it's fished
Wade fishing and drifting the grass flats are the classic methods. Soft-plastic paddle tails on light jigheads, suspending twitchbaits and topwater walk-the-dog plugs all work well, especially at dawn. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a reliable choice for mixed-skill groups. Light spinning or baitcasting gear with fluorocarbon leader suits the clear, shallow water.
Good to know
Most fish run 1 to 4 pounds, with bigger "gator" trout possible on the flats. The meat is soft and delicate, best cooked fresh. Their mouths tear easily, so a smooth drag and patient fight help land them.
Fishing rules in Mexico
- General limit: 10 fish per angler per day, max 5 of one species
Source: NOM-017-PESC-1994 §4.9.1 (2013 mod.). Rules change; confirm current limits, seasons and permits with CONAPESCA before you fish.
