Sea trout are not really related to freshwater trout at all, but are members of the saltwater family that also includes red drum and croaker. Like their freshwater namesakes, however, sea trout are noted for their excellence on the table.
Weakfish, also called gray trout, are found in the surf and inlets from Maine to the Carolinas, while speckled trout (properly known as spotted sea trout) are an important inshore saltwater fish from Virginia to Texas.
For sea trout fishing tips, take a look at Spring Speckled Trout Fishing.
Everywhere they are caught sea trout are subject to strict size and creel restrictions, so it is important to know the laws of the state where you are fishing. Sea trout are a delicious, delicate fish. Speckled trout are a bit firmer fish (and a bit better tasting) than gray trout, but both have terrific flavor.
Sea Trout with Lime Pepper Sauce
FISH:
1 ½ lbs sea trout fillets
slat and pepper
¼ cup flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
SAUCE:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup lime juice
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon clam juice
½ teaspoon hot sauce
Mix cream and lime juice and heat to just under a boil. Add pepper, sugar, clam juice and hot sauce. Mash butter and flour together and stir slowly into the sauce to thicken. Then blend well.
Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper and dredge through flour. Sauté trout in olive oil until golden, turning once, about 8 minutes total. Place hot trout on serving dish and spoon on warm sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serves 4.
Charleston Sea Trout Cakes
1 lb sea trout fillets, cooked and diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
½. Form into cakes. Heat olive oil on the stove and sauté cakes lightly on both sides. Don’t overcook, serve as soon as cakes are golden brown. Serves 4.
Ginger Sea Trout
1 lbs sea trout fillets
1 medium onion, chopped
1 oz fresh ginger
½. Heat sauce in sauce pan on medium. In separate pan heat olive oil. Dredge fish through flour and fry in olive oil until golden brown, turning once, about 8 minutes. Place fish on serving dish and pour sauce over fish to serve. Serves 4.
Sea Trout in Sour Cream
2 lbs sea trout fillets
2 tablespoons butter
2 small onions, sliced thin
1 green pepper, sliced thin
2 cups sour cream
salt and pepper
Sauté onions and green pepper in butter until tender. Place trout in baking dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with onion and pepper slices, and sour cream. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Great served over wild rice. Serves 6.
See also Elegant but Simple Flounder Recipes.
