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The term Gator is bantered about fairly often. Not so much here because we tend to be more grounded than some other folks, but I think it's a tad overused.
How long do you think a spotted sea trout has to be to enter the Gator club here in the greater Tampa bay area.

30" seems to be a defining mark for several saltwater gamefish. That's where the braggn' rights start...

30" and up. IMHO.

30 plus! What you are talking about is a trophy fish and those should only be a very rare event. Catching a mid 20 fish for many is an almost weekly event this time of year, an upper 20 fish a monthly but an over 30 inch trout maybe you get one once a year. I say if you need to name a smaller trout call it a Bull Knight Owl Panther Buckeye Seminole or Hurricane.

I would say 28" and up. Of course this one definitely qualifies as a GATOR ...

It depends on who catches it. If I catch it a gator trout is 26". If someone else catches it it has to be at least 30".

DaveR wrote:here in the greater Tampa bay area.

I think the important part of that question is the part above. 30" in Tampa Bay is a Monster Gator Troutzilla. How many have ever caught or even seen a picture of a Tampa Bay 30" or more trout?

Now, on the east coast, 30" is ho hum, nice fish, how many of them did you catch?

11" seems about right.

Chief1600 wrote:11" seems about right.

If you are using a fly rod

30" and over 10lbs

forced2work wrote:30" and over 10lbs

yup.

Florida Record Spotted Sea Trout: 15lb., 6 ozs.

Remarks:

Seatrout are often refered to as gator trout when they are large (over 6 pounds).

Noles you have way too much free time on your hands.

30+

And here is your Gator. I got this pic off Todds visor.

When you catch a Trout big enough to be TRULY intimidated by the huge teeth, THAT'S a GATOR!! Those Fangs bring on a whole new meaning when the fish is up around 30"

Depends on what forum website you are on