There is nothing more delightful to an angler’s eye than a sudden eruption of chaos at the end of their line. Sure, this brings an end to the peace, but it is welcome chaos, especially when the intruder is a speckled trout. And of course, having a few of the best topwater lures for speckled trout makes the fishing even more fun.
Best Topwater Lures For Speckled Trout
After all, all trout purists dream of land one of these majestic spotted beauties. Speckled trout is the spotted seatrout’s common name, which is indigenous to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a favorite of anglers from all over the world. Besides, these fishes thrive in a wide variety of inland waters that make it relatively easy to fish them.
So today, I have compiled my top recommendations for topwater baits for speckled trout, and I am excited to share them with you.
Let’s dive in.
Quick overview of the best topwater lures for speckled trout:
- Heddon Super Spook – Editor’s Choice
- PLUSINNO Fishing Lures – Best reviews
- Aorace Mini Fishing Lures – Best product for the money
- Bomber Lures Badonk-A-Donk
- VTAVTA Mini Fishing Lures Topwater
- Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet
Keep reading for my detailed review!
Heddon Super Spook
I hate to be generic, but I couldn’t resist putting this on my list. The reason is simple – the lure works, and the brand has been consistent. A standout feature about this lure is the hook, aptly called the Excalibur. The three rotating hooks are perfect for the speckled trout, which is known to be an aggressive attacker. Once your target bites down on this one, be prepared for a battle!
This classic lure also has excellent design components, which makes it a total winner. It is exquisitely crafted, and the materials used in the construction are also premium. The Heddon Super Hook is a match made in fish heaven for the speckled trout, but it also works effectively while fishing other aggressive species. In this regard, this lure is very versatile.
Another reason this lure is one of my topwater baits for speckled trout is its performance in the water. Its imitation of a wounded baitfish while fishing is very impressive. It is especially more apparent when you use the walk-the-dog fishing technique.
Features
- Three rotating treble hooks
- Measures 5 inches in length and weighs 24 gm
- Different hooks for saltwater and freshwater
- Up to 30% more hooking power
Pros
- Outstanding performance from the hooks
- Great quality lure
- Even weight distribution
- Very versatile
- Available in different designs and colors
Cons
- A bit pricy
What other customers say about Heddon Super Spook.
The Heddon Super Hook has a five-star rating from a lot of customers on Amazon. A verified customer calls this one an “awesome topwater lure,” while another calls this one “excellent!”
A couple of customers rave about this lure while fishing for speckled trout. Similarly, more than one customer mentions that this classic lure has excellent durability. A very helpful customer from the US suggests that changing the hardware on the lures enhances its performance significantly.
Best price and deals!
PLUSINNO Fishing Lures
These popper crankbaits are small in size, but they definitely prove their worth in the water. In terms of design, they come in brilliant colors and 3D lifelike eyes, which is excellent. They are made of ABS material, so they are durable as they are sturdy.
A feature that you cannot ignore in these lures is the gravity balls that are built-in the body. It comes into play while attracting the fish with the noise they make. The treble hooks are sharp and are suitable for use both in fresh and saltwater.
In comparison to other lures on this list, these are tiny. But they work great, which is what matters. Of course, you may not hook a giant speckled trout with this one, but they are fantastic for beginners or as a backup.
Features
- ABS material construction for strength and durability
- 3D eyes
- Treble hooks
- Built-in gravity balls
- Measure 2.76 inches in length
- Carry bag included in the package
Pros
- Good quality hooks
- Reliable and sturdy
- Suitable for use in fresh and saltwater
- Comes in a set of 10 crankbaits
Cons
- Not suitable for fishing a big game
What other customers say about PLUSINNO Fishing Lures.
The PLUSINNO Fishing Lures enjoys excellent reviews on Amazon. A delighted customer from the US calls this one an “excellent value” and rates it as an A+. The same customer also compares the rattle in this lures to the premium ones and says this set is the winner.
Another one says that they “they love the colorful baits.” A couple of customers also say that the carry bag’s addition is excellent while also adding that it is of great quality.
Best price and deals!
Aorace Mini Fishing Lures
If you are looking for the best topwater lures for speckled trout on a budget, you can’t go wrong with these ones. For less than ten dollars for ten baits, the price is unbeatable.
But apart from the low price, there are features that make these lures delightful to use. With 3D eyes and laser-coated surfaces, they look very much like live bait. In addition, they make excellent noise in the water, which is always a plus point for a lure.
These crankbaits are also made of ABS material, so you know they are reliable. When it comes to hooks, these are not the biggest or the strongest. However, you can use them for smaller fishes without any problem. However, if you want to try your luck with larger targets, you can swap out the hardware with ease.
Features
- Laser coating on the surface
- 3D eyes
- ABS material for construction
- Evenly weighted with a steel ball inside
- Treble hooks
Pros
- Great swimming action in the water
- Comes with rattle
- Sturdy construction
- Good quality hooks
Cons
- Only suited for fishing smaller trouts
- International shipping options are limited
What other customers say about Aorace Mini Fishing Lures.
On Amazon, these lures are praised equally for their price and good quality. One customer says these baits perfectly complement the trout fishing gear. On the other hand, a delighted customer says they are “impressed” by how well these lures performed while adding caution for the “extremely sharp” hooks.
Similarly, other customers called the colors on these lure “incredible.” Another verified customer adds that these crankbaits are “very snag proof.”
Best price and deals!
Bomber Lures Badonk-A-Donk
This trout lure is a personal favorite of mine and is a contender for the best bait for speckled trout. The lure is made of premium hardware that makes it an ideal trout bait in both salt and freshwater.
Its gleaming high-gloss finish is a fantastic addition that is a beacon for the speckled trout. The hooks on this lure are also excellent quality. Double hooks that are incredibly sharp are just what you need for an aggressive trout.
Another feature that stands out about this lure is the pitch variation. It comes in two pitches – high, labeled Hp, and low, labeled Lp. So irrespective of where you plan to fish, you will have a lot of options with this one. I found that mixing up the Hp lure with the Lp lure is also a great way to catch more games.
Features
- High-gloss finish
- High pitch and low pitch frequency
- Double hooks
- Measures 3.5 inches in length and weighs 9 gm
Pros
- Excellent reflection in the water
- Great quality hooks
- Two variations of pitch frequency available
- Suitable for use in fresh and saltwater
Cons
- International shipping is limited
- Price is a little high
What other customers say about Bomber Lures Badonk-A-Donk.
The review on this lure is a mix of good and not so good. Some of the customers call this one “excellent” and a “great lure for predatory fish.” A couple of five-star reviewers also call this lure a “fantastic product” and a “good plug.” A standout point from one customer says this lure “casts beautifully.”
On the other hand, a cautious customer says that it is better to buy this lure at a local store to access more options.
Best price and deals!
VTAVTA Mini Fishing Lures Topwater
These mini fishing lures find a place in my list of the best topwater lures for speckled trout for two reasons:
- One, the quality of the build and materials used are top-notch. ABS material in the body and treble hooks seem almost out of place in the small baits. But they add up to be an excellent feature, and I absolutely love it.
- Two, the swimming action in the water is nothing short of spectacular. With their large 3D eyes and steel ball that is built-in, these lures can quickly reach a depth of up to 8 feet, which is impressive considering their size.
You will also find that these baits do not require a lot of effort for casting. The bright natural colors and the addition of rattle are components that make these lure a great pick.
Features
- ABS material construction
- Treble hooks
- Bright color bodies with 3D holographic eyes
- Built-in steel ball and rattle
- Measures 3 cm in length and 1.52 gm
Pros
- Excellent quality with bright colors
- Great quality hooks
- Easy to cast
- Excellent performance in the water
- Comes in a pack of five lures
Cons
- Some units can be defective
- A tackle box is substandard
What other customers say about VTAVTA Mini Fishing Lures Topwater.
This trout lure has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon. While one customer calls these “great lures,” another one calls them the “real deal” and that you should “add a set” to your fishing arsenal. Another delighted customer says the paint jobs on the baits are “great quality.” In addition, a pleased customer describes these as “deadly lures.”
On the other hand, a couple of customers seem to have had a negative experience, especially with the shipping and tackle boxes, which is quite unfortunate.
Best price and deals!
Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet
Let me be honest; the looks of this lure didn’t totally take me. Nevertheless, I knew better than to judge a lure from its appearance alone, so I tried it anyway.
To start off, the weird-looking tail turned out to be the best feature of this lure for trouts. It facilitates the swimming action of the bait, which was fantastic. The combination of the textured body and the realistic head is another feature that makes this lure a great choice.
However, the best part of this lure is the addition of the Gulp! Attractant. This proprietary scent is fantastic at attracting the fish even from a considerable distance. So this mullet is now a regular in my topwater baits for speckled trout.
Features
- Realistic design and outline
- Soft plastic body
- Available in seventeen different colors
- Loaded with Gulp! fish attracting scent
- 3 to 6 inches sizes available
Pros
- Attracts fish effectively
- Outstanding swimming action
- Available in different sizes and colors
- Soft and durable
Cons
- The tail section of the lure is weak, so it breaks easily
- Price is on the higher side
What other customers say about Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet.
Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet has a lot of positive reviews from customers.
While one customer says this lure is “amazing,” another calls it a “great little bait.” A delighted customer also says this is “better than live bait,” and “tough,” which is quite a statement.
A couple of customers also mention that the pearl white lure is a great pick. Another verified customer says that these lures are “absolutely a must try” for fishing in saltwater.
Best price and deals!
Frequently Asked Questions About Speckled Trout Fishing
When is the best season for speckled trout fishing?
There is a bit of a debate around the best season to fish for speckled trout. So this definition will have a little bit of variation between seasonal trout anglers and those who fish almost all year round.
But generally, the period starting from April to September is an excellent time to fish for these spotted fishes. This is typically called the topwater season. However, in some areas, you might even get lucky in October.
Speckled trout, like most aquatic creatures, tend to follow water temperature and other environmental conditions. Therefore, it pays to have a decent knowledge about the change in water temperatures and tidal activity, among others.
Do I need special gear for speckled trout fishing?
A straightforward answer? No.
However, you need to know that speckled trouts are by no means weak and lazy. They are voracious eaters and violent bait attackers. Therefore, your gear assembly will have a lot to do with the outcome of your fishing expedition.
For speckled trout fishing, medium rods ranging from 6.6 to 7 feet in length is ideal. Of course, an excellent reel with a solid line paired in the setup is essential. Learn more about the best reels here.
Similar to fishing other predatory fishes, keeping your gear light is essential for speckled trout fishing. This will give you the right balance of strength and stability.
In addition, you should also have fishing accessories such as fishing pliers and a line cutter at all times.
What is the best lure to catch a speckled trout?
There is no particular lure that guarantees a speckled trout every single time. So, for the ultimate speckled trout catch, it comes down to using a combination of lures and knowing the right time to cast your line.
That being said, the topwater lure is a great way to begin your fishing activity. If you are out in the morning, this will increase your chances of landing a prized catch. Topwater lures are the perfect bait for quick retrieve action while scouting out the fish.
Plugs that have a bit of weight and can sink lower naturally with ease works excellent later in the day. Slow sinking plugs will entice the fish to take a bite as these simulate a dying fish, which the trouts cannot overlook.
Using lighter jigheads for direct casting also works excellent. When you pitch soft plastic bait in the water and allow it to flow with the current, trouts will pick it up in no time.
Check out my post on the most popular lures.
What are the best spots for speckled trout fishing?
The top hot spots for speckled trout fishing in the world are:
- Kamchatka– If you are looking for endless trout fishing in an unpolluted and undisturbed environment, Kamchatka is the place to be. Just be prepared as the area is pretty remote.
- Montana, United States– It is one of the best places for speckled trout fishing without a doubt. There are numerous water bodies, including Bighorn and Missouri, with an excellent population of trouts in America.
- New Zealand – Amidst snow-capped mountains and virgin scenery, New Zealand offers a fantastic place to fish for speckled trouts, among others.
- Rio Grande, Argentina– You cannot have a best-speckled trout fishing location list without the Rio Grande on it. Some of the biggest speckled trouts have been caught in this part of the world. Therefore, it is a must-visit if you love the speckled trout.
Niels Thomas is a wildlife expert and fishing fanatic that works with major fishing brands like Deeper Sonar, Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, BassPro and Pure Fishing. Through sharing the best fishing tips, tricks, gear reviews, locations and much more he hopes to inspire fishing fanatics to start their own journey towards becoming the King of the Catch!