March 1st kicked off Triggerfish season in Destin, Florida, which many offshore anglers were excited for. In our area, Triggerfish are normally found nearshore and offshore, hanging around artificial reefs and natural bottoms, in depths between 50 to 300 feet. They share the same habitat as Red Snapper and Gag Grouper, so catching a Triggerfish is usually a sign that additional species are below as well.
The average size of the Triggerfish ranges from 12in to 20in, with females growing larger. They are a distinctive gray in color and have the ability to change their color while swimming in open waters. The mouth is small but mighty, containing a set of sharp teeth even the most experienced anglers don’t want to mess with. Along with the teeth, Triggerfish have a strong jaw that can make a hook difficult to set.
Triggerfish are pretty aggressive feeders; a positive if you’ve set out to catch them specifically, but a negative if you were trying to reach the Red Snapper or Grouper they hang around with. Shrimp and any sort of cut bait like squid will do the trick as they typically chase anything they perceive as being food, and a small hook is necessary due to the size of their mouth.
A keeper size Triggerfish must be 15″ or more, from the mouth to the fork of the tail. The limit is 1 per person per day, and these fish are plentiful. Hands down, one of the best fighting fish and quickest bite while fishing. This is one reason that Triggerfish make for a great family friendly fishing charter, because the kids will be excited to feel a bite so quickly.
Lastly, they are a great tasting, white meat fish with a very low fishy taste. Typically triggerfish is cooked as a filet to show off the taste, but can be cooked however you best like your fish.
Call us today to book your charter during Triggerfish Season in Destin, Florida, for an action packed time on the water.