Fish Profile

  • Inshore or Offshore: Primarily Offshore, often found near reefs, ledges, and rocky structures
  • Fish Legal Size Limits: Minimum size limit is typically around 20 inches.
  • Amount of Fish per Person and Vessel: Bag limits vary, often around 2 per person within the overall grouper aggregate limit.
  • Time of Day You Can Catch Them: The Tripletail are caught throughout the day, with their activity influenced by factors like tide and water conditions
  • Bait: Effective baits include live or cut fish, squid, and artificial lures.
  • Taste: The Tripletail is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture; commonly grilled, fried, or baked.
Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis)
  • Inshore or Offshore: Both Inshore and Offshore, often found near structures like buoys, crab trap floats, and floating debris.
  • Fish Legal Size Limits: Regulations vary, with minimum size limits in place to protect breeding populations.
  • Amount of Fish per Person and Vessel: Bag limits may vary, and anglers should follow local regulations.
  • Other Legal Limits in Florida: Specific regulations may apply, and anglers should stay informed about any closures or changes.
  • Time of Day You Can Catch Them: Tripletail can be caught throughout the day, with their activity influenced by factors like tide and water conditions.
  • Bait: Effective baits include live shrimp, crabs, and artificial lures, with casting and sight fishing being common techniques.
  • Taste: Tripletail offers a mild, sweet flavor and is commonly grilled, blackened, or pan-seared.

The Tripletail, scientifically known as Lobotes surinamensis, is a unique and sought-after saltwater fish found in warm coastal waters. Known for its distinctive appearance with three fins along its dorsal and anal regions, the Tripletail often adopts a floating or drifting posture near the water's surface. Anglers prize this species for its challenging behavior and excellent table fare.

Meet the Tripletail, a fish with a distinctive triple threat. Its unique fins make it easily recognizable as it hangs near the water's surface, waiting for prey. Anglers are drawn to the challenge of catching this elusive fish, known for its sudden strikes and powerful fights. Responsible fishing practices, including adherence to size limits and habitat conservation, contribute to the sustainability of Tripletail populations and the preservation of their coastal habitats.