InshoreIQ Species Guide · 1/2
Inshore Species Breakdown

Redfish vs Speckled Trout

Two species, same water, different game plan. Here's how to target each one.

🔴 Redfish
Category
Trout 🔵
Oyster bars, grass flat edges, creek mouths
Habitat
Grass flats, channel edges, deeper holes
Incoming — roots for crabs on covered flats
Best Tide
Outgoing — ambushes bait at drop-offs
Gold spoon, DOA shrimp, Gulp! on jighead
Top Bait
MirrOlure 52M, popping cork, topwater
Bottom-oriented, slow & methodical
Technique
Mid-water, vary retrieve speed
🔴 Redfish FL Regs
18"–27" slot · 1/day
Peak: Fall mullet run
🔵 Trout FL Regs
15"–19" · 3/day (2026)
Peak: Winter deep holes
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InshoreIQ Species Guide · 2/2
🎯 When to Target Each
🔴 Go for Redfish when…
  • Tide is incoming onto flats
  • Wind under 10mph, clear water
  • Early morning or late afternoon
  • You see mullet jumping near structure
  • Post-cold-front sunny afternoon
🔵 Go for Trout when…
  • Tide is outgoing off flats
  • Water temps below 70°F
  • Overcast skies (they go shallow)
  • Grass flat edges at dawn
  • Popping cork bite is on
📍 Where They Overlap
Creek mouths
Outgoing tide funnels bait — both species stack here
Grass flat edges
Redfish on the flat, trout on the drop — fish the transition
Dock pilings
Sheepshead, trout, and snook in summer
Oyster bars
Reds on top at high tide, trout on the edges
🔥 Pro Tip

Start at the creek mouth on outgoing for trout, then follow the incoming tide onto the flat for reds. One trip, two species, same area.

Check today's bite conditions at inshoreiq.com

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