General Description and habitat:
Named for its ability to lock their main dorsal spine while the second dorsal spine is pulled as a trigger to release the locked spine. This locking mechanism is used by the Triggerfish in two main ways, firstly as a tool to jam themselves in caves or crevices, and secondly to make it difficult for predatory fish to swallow a trigger fish without the dorsal spine becoming lodged in their throat.

The colouration and size of the Triggerfish varies greatly between the different species. The larger of three target species found on the Indian Ocean Atolls are the Giant Triggerfish, and Yellow Margined Triggerfish. These two species are capable of reaching lengths of up to 80cm, and weights of up to 20 pounds, although a fish of 10 pounds is considered exceptional. The third Triggerfish species that is sometimes targeted is the Picasso Triggerfish, which is more esteemed for its beautiful colouration rather than its size.

Angling Tackle and Tactics:

Fly:

Until recently Triggerfish have not been regarded as a premier fly rod target species. Their clown like appearance, strong fighting ability, combined with the sight fishing and stalking aspect of targeting them on the flats has made them an increasingly popular target species.

Standard set-up for targeting Triggerfish is similar to that of the bonefish, and a fast action 9ft 9wht rod will usually suffice. A large arbor reel, with a smooth drag, filled with matching floating line and 20-30lb backing completes the rig.

It is recommended that a 9 to 12 foot tapered leader is used, ending in a 20lb tippet. This tippet set-up is slightly heavier than the bonefish rig, and this is to counter the Triggerfish's sometimes dirty fighting tactics around coral and rocky areas.

Sight casting to individual fish is the only way to target triggerfish on fly. Feeding triggerfish are easily recognizable by their tailing antics when feeding on sand bottoms or reef edges. A large part of the Triggerfish’s diet comprises of the crustaceans that it exposes through its aggressive feeding activity as it digs through sand, chews through coral, and moves small rocks. Accurate casts are required when presenting crab patterns to this species. Popular and successful fly patterns include Velcro crab patterns, crazy Charlie’s and shrimp patterns.

Comprehensive tackle lists, compiled for each unique salt water fishing area, will be sent out on request, keith@tourettefishing.com, or on booking.