They are most common in the shallow bays during spring and summer. As water temperatures decline during fall, fish move into deeper bay waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The number of fish entering the Gulf varies from year to year depending on the severity of the winter. As water temperatures warm in the spring the fish move back into the shallows of the primary and secondary bays. During periods of low rainfall and runoff, many trout often move into deeper rivers and bayous with the first cool weather of fall.
Similar concentrations occur at dredged boat harbors and channels.
Offats Bayou at Galveston, the Army Hole at Port O'Connor and the boat harbor at Aransas Pass are examples of the latter. Experienced trout anglers have their own combination of bait, tackle, location, etc. for catching fish. Any light to medium action rod and reel combination is appropriate since most spotted seatrout caught are in the 2-3 pound range. Equipment designed for use in salt water is essential because of the corrosive nature of sea water. The most popular terminal tackle for spotted seatrout is the popping cork rig.