It hasn’t been that long that the speckled trout was treated much like the highly secretive tarpon found during the summer in Eastern Shore backwaters.

Yeah, anglers have been fishing for specks for decades. But there was a time when fishers tried to hide the fact by actually letting fish go instead of pulling them out of the water where other anglers could see.

What this group would do was simple, although more than a little crazy – hooking a fish, fighting it, then leaving it in the water alongside the boat and removing the hook before anyone could see. Many also would hide their lure, even though the use of a white, red-tipped plug was a standard for shallow water angling.

Sorry, the efforts failed miserably.

And thank goodness those days are over.

Where, when and using what no longer are big secrets.

Which hardly means the majority of fishermen and women are catching. As popular as they are, they are fish and they can be finicky.

Learning what’s working for a school of trout is essential.

Lures come in more colors and shapes than the number of trout.

The good news is that when this aggressive species – that is dotted with spots – is hungry, it will eat just about anything.

Presentations can range from fast to medium to bouncing on the bottom. Trolling baits has become hugely popular.

But most of all, specks spend their time working balls of bait that are suspended below the surface. And a large group of anglers have discovered that topwater lures work marvelously – especially at night.

More good news comes from eating a few of them. Darkish meat that is slightly oily and soft, speckled trout are fantastic when cooked in the skillet or on the grill.

Further still, finding a place to catch when often as simple as driving to the boat ramp to meet a buddy.

The Southside’s three inlets – Lynnhaven, Little Creek and Rudee – all are known to harbor specks and often in good numbers.

The creeks along the western shore of the Eastern Shore also can be great, as can the lower islands and creeks along the shore’s southern-most edge.

The Nansemond, James and Elizabeth rivers also are home to this toothy critter.

Look for them both in size and numbers along the flats around Poquoson, in the Back River and at numerous artificial reefs.

Anglers can find them while fishing on piers and nearly all shorelines.

Speckled trout have made a serious home in regional waters, often staying all year long.

And since it’s no longer a secret, join in on the fun.

You’ll be glad you did.

To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com