Weakfish (Gray Trout) Fishing in Jacksonville, FL
Colorful, soft-mouthed inshore fish that feed on the tide in bays and along the beaches. Light tackle and a gentle hand.
Typical season
- January: off peak
- February: off peak
- March: off peak
- April: off peak
- May: peak
- June: peak
- July: off peak
- August: off peak
- September: peak
- October: peak
- November: off peak
- December: off peak
Peak months: May to June and September to October.
The general season across its range. Ask us about the bite here.
Species guide
Weakfish (Gray Trout) (Cynoscion regalis)
- How to identify
- Iridescent back with small dark spots in wavy diagonal rows and yellowish fins.
- Size
- Usually 1 to 6 pounds; tiderunners pass 10
- Lifespan
- Up to about 12 years
- Habitat
- Bays, sounds, estuaries and along the beaches.
- Range
- Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Florida, most common from New York to North Carolina.
- Diet
- Shrimp, squid and small fish such as menhaden and anchovies
Did you know? The name comes from the delicate mouth, which tears easily if you horse the fish.