Gray Triggerfish

Season in Georgia

GA DNR winter: triggerfish are caught with sea bass on the nearshore reefs in 20 to 40 ft in winter. Boat fish. No month data beyond that. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Nearshore reefs in 20 to 40 ft by boat, on small strips of squid (GA DNR).

On reefs and hard bottom; nibbles baits.

What to look for

Bait stripped from hooks without a bite felt: triggers are nibbling.

Bait

Cut squid, Cut fish. Two-hook bottom (chicken) rig, weight on the bottom, lower hook about 12 in above it; touch bottom then reel up a couple of turns.

Leader

Two-hook chicken rig with the weight on the bottom.

Common mistakes

• Big hooks; they pick baits off
• Fingers near the mouth

Landing

Swing or net; keep hands away from the teeth.

Handling

• Strong incisor-like teeth that bite
• Locking first dorsal spine

Hold away from the mouth; the dorsal spine unlocks when the second spine is pushed down.

Keep or release

Florida Museum rates the meat excellent. Georgia rules apply; see the regulations file.

Recipes for gray triggerfish

Typical: unknown. Large: Up to 28 in fork length and 13 lb. SC record 13 lb 9 oz (1989).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the GA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division, Coastlines Dec 2024: Ask a CRD Pro, tips for winter fishing (Official source)
• Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: gray triggerfish (Official source)
• NOAA Fisheries: gray triggerfish (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: triggerfish on SC nearshore reefs (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)

All the fish of Georgia