Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters closed Sept. 28 in response to harvest projections indicating the 2018 federal recreational quota for gray triggerfish has been reached. The closure will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2018. Learn more.
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Gray Triggerfish: Balistes capriscus
Florida Regulations:
| Regulations | Gulf State Waters | Atlantic State Waters |
|---|
| Minimum Size Limit |
15” Fork Length |
12" Fork Length |
| Daily Bag Limit |
1 per person
|
10 per person
|
Gear Requirements:
Gulf: Closed Sept. 28-Dec. 31, 2018. Closed annually January, February, June and July.
Atlantic: Open year-round.
Federal Waters:
Gulf of Mexico: 15" FL; 1 fish bag limit within 20 reef fish aggregate. Closing Aug. 17, 2018-Feb. 28, 2019. Learn more. 
Atlantic: 14” FL; included in the 20 fish snapper grouper aggregate bag limit.
Habitat and Fishing Tips:
Triggerfish inhabit hard bottom ledges and artificial reefs in water depths that exceed 80 feet. Because they prefer the same type of habitat, they are almost always found in association with red snapper. Triggerfish feed primarily on benthic invertebrates including crabs, sea urchins, shrimp, sand dollars and mollusks. Recreational anglers commonly catch triggers on squid or cut bait but they are also harvested by spear fishing. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers and often frustrate anglers targeting larger snapper and grouper. Because triggerfish have a hard, bony mouth, it is very important to use a small, very sharp hook. Light to medium bottom fishing equipment with 20 to 50 pound test line is sufficient for triggerfish which average 2 to 4 pounds.
State Record:
12 lb 7 oz, caught near Pensacola July 15, 2001
Florida Rule
Gulf Federal Waters Rules
Atlantic Federal Waters Rules
Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles
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