Triggerfish Fishing in Clearwater / St. Pete Beach, Florida
Triggerfish are tasty and tough reef dwellers caught offshore around deep structure. Though often caught while targeting snapper or grouper, they make a great bonus catch and fight hard for their size. Use small baits and hooks for success.
Where to Catch Triggerfish
Triggerfish can be found:
On offshore wrecks and hard bottom
Near reefs in 80–150 ft of water
Around ledges and rock piles in the Gulf
Focus on bottom-fishing techniques with smaller offerings to get through aggressive bait stealers.
Best Time to Fish for Triggerfish in Clearwater / St. Pete Beach
| Season | Triggerfish Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Very good around offshore reefs |
| Summer | Excellent—common bycatch offshore |
| Fall | Still productive if weather allows |
Peak Season: Summer
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Jigheads tipped with bait
Bait: Cut squid, shrimp, small bait chunks
Leaders: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon
Gear: Light spinning or bottom gear with small hooks
