Fall is right around the corner, and with it comes some of the best fishing of the year along the Southern coast, especially for Speckled Trout. There are countless ways to target “Specs,” but this time we wanted to hear from a younger generation of anglers to gain a fresh perspective. So we reached out to Captain Ozzy Osbourne of Marker 23 Charters out of Topsail Beach, NC, and we came away both impressed and enlightened. Captain Ozzy specializes in inshore light tackle and fly fishing, and his approach goes far beyond trial and error. He’s a student of fish behavior, feeding patterns, and migration, and his Speckled Trout strategy is both thoughtful and precise.
Start with the Bait One of the most critical elements to success is understanding the bait. Not just what you're using, but what’s naturally in the water. What type of baitfish are present, and which direction are they moving? Visible bait activity, especially surface-breaking schools, often signals predators like Specs are nearby. Points and grassy flats around 3 feet deep are prime locations. These shallow areas limit diving depth, making it easier to spot movement and set up an ambush with topwater lures or popping corks. Cast past the point, watch the bait come through, and wait for the trout to strike.
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