Triggerfish

The Gray Triggerfish, Balistes capriscus

Uniform dark gray in color, sometimes with darker blotches on the sides, especially in smaller fish.

SIZE

Averages 1-3 pounds; may rarely top 10 pounds. World record 13 pounds, 9 ounces. Florida record 12 pounds, 7 ounces.

FOOD VALUE

Excellent. Many consider Triggerfish fillets to be tastier fare than those from the Yellowtail and small Snapper that are often caught with them in mixed bags. They are, however, more difficult to clean because of their tough skins.

GAME QUALITIES

The small mouth of the Triggerfish makes them difficult to hook, but once they are on a line they put up an outstanding fight against light tackle.

TACKLE AND BAITS

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Spinning, baitcasting and light ocean tackle. Small hooks are essential. They bite shrimp and any sort of cut bait and also nip voraciously at artificial lures, especially plastics, although seldom getting hooked on them.

FISHING SYSTEMS

Still Fishing; Drifting.

OTHER NAMES

Common Triggerfish Common Turbot Cucuyo

RANGE

All Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

HABITAT

Mostly found well offshore in northern half of Florida, but inhabits both inshore areas—patches, holes, bridge and dock pilings—and offshore reefs of South Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean Islands.