Catching Triggerfish: Tips, Times, and Terrian

Have you ever wanted to reel in a triggerfish? During my time in Florida, triggerfish were often dismissed as "trash fish." But that label doesn't sit right with me. It's a term that leads to unnecessary waste and disregards the value these fish hold. #NoTrashFish! Triggerfish serve various purposes, from culinary delights to ecological balance.

What is the best way to catch triggerfish?

With over 40 species worldwide, the Grey triggerfish are most commonly caught in the Americas. These feisty creatures are aggressive feeders, readily attacking lures, baits, and even, on rare occasions, divers. While they're most active an hour before sunrise, you can hook them at any time. For optimal results, concentrate your efforts near reef and rock structures or scour the sand flats where they hunt for buried prey like crabs.

Triggerfish boast a mild taste, tender white meat, and a firm texture. In Baja, they're revered for their role in ceviche, showcasing their culinary versatility.

Lures and Bait

In Baja, local anglers prefer handlining for triggerfish. Utilizing a small size 5-1 J-hook with any bait and a spark plug as weight. Alternatively, rod and reel setups work just as effectively. Employ the same hook size with pinch weights, drop shots, or bullet weights, and remember to retrieve slowly, keeping your bait near or on the bottom.

No bait? No problem! Try casting a 10-50-gram spoon and maintain a steady retrieve, just above the seabed.

Screenshot from N.O.A.A database

I use these J-hooks on Amazon

Ever Been Bit By A Trigerfish?

One unforgettable spearfishing excursion in Mulege, BCS, stands out. Hiding behind a coral head, I spotted a sizable triggerfish on the other side. Taking aim, I made my shot, it was a stoneshot, but I felt my shaft start to wiggle but I could see the triggerfish was dead. To my horror, a highly venomous scorpionfish lay hidden behind the triggerfish! In a frantic moment, I avoided its poisonous spines, thanks to my dive partner's quick assistance. However, in the chaos, she inadvertently got too close to the triggerfish, resulting in a painful bite through her wetsuit.

The ocean is full of surprises, and each excursion promises adventure. Fortunately, no one suffered severe harm, and there were no infections

Ive Learned a Lot Swimming with Triggerfish

As an avid spearfisher, I've gained invaluable insights into triggerfish behavior. Observing them in their natural habitat, I've learned that they spend much of their time sifting through sand and coral, hunting for prey. They're opportunistic feeders, readily attacking injured fish. Found in dispersed groups, hooking one often leads to multiple catches in the same area. They utilize their fins to dig for worms and crabs, showcasing their adaptive hunting techniques. With teeth resembling those of humans, triggerfish are adept at crushing their prey.

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