Gray Triggerfish

Season in South Jersey

July 2017 triggerfish on Cape May and Wildwood Crest rocks and bridges; Aug 2026 Cape May wrecks and jetties. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Jetty rocks, canal walls and bridges for a few; wrecks, reefs and floating debris by boat.

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

Good eating. Check state rules.

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 NJ limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.

Sources

• On The Water: South Jersey Fishing Report, July 27 2017 (Riptide, Fin-Atics, Tony's, Creekside) (Angler knowledge)
• On The Water: Southern New Jersey Fishing Report, August 13 2026 (Angler knowledge)
• 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 South Jersey