Summer Speckled Trout LOVE These Spots (How to Find Them)
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
Finding trout in the summer isn’t about covering more water.
It’s about fishing the right water.
In this video, you’ll learn one of the most overlooked summer trout patterns and why these spots consistently reload with fish.
You’ll also discover the simple clues that tell you whether an area is worth fishing before you even make your first cast.
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If you have been struggling to catch quality trout this summer, make sure and look for spots like these in your area.
Featured Gear
- Rod: Slam Stick Traveler
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Lure: Flea Flicker
- Line: 10 Pound Diawa J Braid
- Leader: 15 pound Ande Monofilament
Why I Target Spoil Islands During The Summer
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that trout don’t disappear when summer rolls around. They simply move to areas that give them everything they need.
That’s why I spend so much time fishing spoil islands.
These areas usually have shallow grass flats, sand potholes, and deeper water all within a short distance. Trout can slide shallow to feed early in the morning, then move into deeper water once the sun gets high without traveling very far. If I can find bait around these areas, I’m usually confident there’s a good chance trout won’t be far behind.
How I Find These Areas
On this trip, I noticed the productive islands all had a few things in common.
There was plenty of bait activity, birds working nearby, and shallow structure sitting right next to deeper water. Once I recognized that pattern, I pulled up Smart Fishing Spots and started looking for other spoil islands with those same characteristics.
Instead of guessing where the fish might be, I simply looked for more spots that matched what was already producing. That’s a pattern you can repeat almost anywhere you fish.
Three Things That Made A Big Difference
Finding the right spot is only half the battle.
The way you fish it matters just as much.
First, I always try to avoid running directly over the area I want to fish. I’ll make a wide loop and ease back into casting range so I’m not spooking fish before I even pick up my rod.
Second, I pay close attention to exactly where I’m getting bites. On this trip, the trout were holding shallower while the ladyfish were slightly deeper. Little details like that help me stay around the fish instead of making random casts.
Finally, don’t underestimate boat noise. After changing my drift to eliminate hull slap, the bite picked right back up. Staying quiet is one of the easiest adjustments you can make, and it often pays off immediately.
The Gear That Worked
The Flea Flicker in the Mullet pattern was the clear winner on this trip.
It stayed just below the surface, matched the baitfish I was seeing, and held up much better than soft plastics with all the pufferfish around.
For this setup, I used a Slam Stick Traveler Rod paired with an Otis 2500 spinning reel, 10-pound braid, and a 15-pound monofilament leader. Looking back, I’d probably switch to the medium-light section of the Traveler Rod next time to help keep more fish pinned near the boat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to catch trout during the summer, don’t assume they’ve left the area.
Start looking for spoil islands, shallow structure next to deeper water, and plenty of bait activity. Combine that with a quiet approach, and you’ll put yourself around a lot more fish this summer.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).



Thanks for a great tips for fishing the underused spots Pat.
I fish mainly in the bay were only structure are rocks or different colors of water
Thanks Pat, great video and info
Good video and very applicable – I appreciate you highlighting the approach works all over not just in NC where the video was taken.
enjoyed
Thanks Pat
Thanks, Pat, good insight and info.
I appreciate your gentle release techniques. This greatly increases the survival rate and is good instruction for our youth also.
Always great information Pat and fun videos to watch! I wish I had access to all this great advice when I was younger and trying to figure it out on my own. Salt Strong does such an excellent job.
Learned a lot today thanks for ypur tips