Inshore

Weakfish

Cynoscion regalis

Avg. Weight

3.0 lbs

Avg. Length

13+ inches

World Record

19.2 lbs

Found In

10 Destinations

About Weakfish

Weakfish — also called Squeteague or Gray Trout — are the mid-Atlantic cousin of the Speckled Trout. Named for their soft, easily torn mouth (not their fighting ability — they are actually strong fighters), weakfish have an iridescent purple, green, and copper body covered with small dark spots. Once incredibly abundant in the Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey waters, populations have declined significantly. A weakfish over 5 lbs is now a noteworthy catch in most areas.

Identification & Appearance

Elongated body with iridescent purple, blue, green, and copper tones. Small dark spots on the upper body and dorsal fin. Silver-white belly. Prominent canine teeth. Body shape similar to speckled trout but with different coloration.

Male vs. Female

Males and females are similar in appearance. Females grow slightly larger. Males produce a "drumming" sound during spawning, similar to their seatrout relatives.

Size, Weight & Records

Average catch is 12-18 inches (1-3 lbs). Quality weakfish run 18-24 inches (3-6 lbs). Trophy fish exceed 6 lbs. The world record is 19 lbs 2 oz, caught in Jones Beach, New York in 1984. Fish over 5 lbs are increasingly rare.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

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Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Drifting with live spot, croakers, or bloodworms along channel edges and grass beds at dusk and dawn is the classic technique. Small soft plastic jigs (pink, white, or chartreuse) on light jigheads (1/8-1/4 oz) worked with a slow, steady retrieve produce well. Bucktails tipped with squid strips drifted near the bottom are effective. Surface plugs and small topwater lures at dawn and dusk can produce explosive strikes. The soft mouth requires a light touch — never horse a weakfish.

Recommended Tackle

Light spinning rod (6'6"-7 ft), 2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (1/0-2/0), light jigheads (1/8-3/8 oz). Light drag setting is critical — their paper-thin mouth tears easily.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Minimum size limit of 13-16 inches depending on state. Bag limit of 1-2 fish per person in most areas. Populations are at historically low levels — conservation is critical. Many anglers practice catch-and-release.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.