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SLOT LIMIT: 15 inch minimum length (pinched tail)
BAG LIMIT: 2 per person per day
SEASONAL CLOSURES: None
Tripletail are another "seasonal" fish that are extremely under
estimated fish when it come to shear pulling power. They are often
spotted laying motionless on the waters surface. When presented with
a bait they often take their time trying to eat it. Once hooked,
these fish transform into serious drag stripping machines. Because
of their "three" tails they can
generate an enormous amount of force. This surprises many anglers,
especially when we're fishing for them near channel markers. Larger
fish often can't be stopped and anglers end up losing them once
their line is parted by the channel marker's chain. Fortunately fish
that do break off have short memories and we find that they will
usually eat again at some point later on in the day.
Because we fish for tripletail in close proximity to underwater
hazard 20 to 30 pound class gear is necessary when targeting the
larger fish in the 10 to 25 pound range. Smaller fish or fish that
are found "floating" or "free
swimming" out in open waters can be taken on much lighter spinning,
casting and fly tackle. Fish of less than 8 pounds usually hit small
live baitfish or shrimp, larger fish will strike live baits such as
menhaden, mullet, sardines, pilchards, pinfish or croaker. Many of
the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records for
tripletail have been either caught or broken right here at Canaveral
(including the one I used to hold for 8 pound class fly tippet) so
you never know when you might get the shot at a true "world class
fish".
(Click on any of the thumbnails to see a
full size photo) |
