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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
May 24, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Gray triggerfish are just plain good eating. Right up there with black seabass, snook and pompano in this writer's humble opinion. And triggers are relatively easy to catch if you target them properly.
Sometimes in our zeal to catch the more glamorous species, we overlook other opportunities. Triggers meet all the right criteria. They are plentiful, fight hard and eat great.
Triggers have very small mouths full of canine incisors. They inhabit coral, ledges, manmade reefs and wrecks. Their diet includes small fishes, crustaceans and squid.
Techniques for catching triggers vary, however one has worked for me. These guys are professional bait stealers and can suck a bait off of your hook without the slightest feel. So, first downsize to a #1 live bait hook. On this tiny hook, impale several small pieces of squid or tenacles. Keep a taught line on the drop, as these sneaky critters will rob your bait on the way down.
One word of caution is appropriate here. Handle triggers with extreme caution. Their dorsal spine is a formidable weapon and will penetrate body parts. Suffice it to say, keep fingers clear of their incisors.
There is no recreational bag limit for gray triggerfish, but keepers must be 12 inches overall length. Measurement includes the elongated tines on their tails.
Carving these leatherjackets is difficult at best, but it is worth the extra effort. The flesh is snow white, firm and delicious. With your new blade in your electric knife, simply carve them backwards. Start at the tail and fillet towards the head. This will avoid the leather skin that can't be penetrated by the sharpest knife.
So, the next time the grouper and snapper bite goes slack, rig up for triggers. It is big time fun and yum!
Until next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writer's Asssociation
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
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