A:  While the first push of keeper-sized fish occurs in September, the undisputed peak for Topsail Island speckled trout fishing  runs from October through November. As the inshore water temperatures tumble into the mid-60s, these sight-feeding predators form dense schools and feed aggressively on migrating shrimp. This autumn window offers the highest probability of landing a trophy “gator” trout exceeding 24 inches on light tackle and topwater walking plugs.