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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
July 7, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Pull the triggers for fast sportfishing action. Triggerfish are one of our most reliable offshore species along the unforgettable Florida Panhandle coast. Triggers inhabit rocky coral bottoms, man-made reefs and sunken wrecks all along the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico. If you like to eat fish, the trigger is for you.
Some of the very best eating fish, triggers are firm, but delicate white meat that lends itself to just about any of your favorite recipes. Chargrilled, broiled, sauteed or fried, triggerfish is delicious. But wait, let's discuss the catching, before the eating.
We start with the basic premise that triggers are some of the most professional bait stealers, right up there with snappers and sheepshead. So, how do we trick these smart guys. One technique that works for me is to scale down the tackle. Go to ten pound class spinners, with very light leaders and tiny hooks, like #4 Mutu-lite Owner circle hooks. Thread as many squid tenacles on your hook as possible. You are simply maximizing your hookup ratio, as the trigger suck the tenacles off your little hook. Go as light as possible on your lead sinker, in order to stay vertical and feel the sometimes imperceptible bite.
Filleting triggers is easy, if you keep one thing in mind. The sharpest fillet knife will not cut through the body armor of these rugged critters. Living around coral has evolved these fish with leather-tough hides. Start your electric fillet knife at the tail and cut along the backbone toward the head. Basically, you cut the fish from the inside out.
Gray triggerfish must be 12 inches overall to be kept and there is no bag limit. As always, leave some for our grandchildren. They will thank us one day.
Until next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Apalachicola, FL
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
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