Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis)

Photo of tripletail

TPWD ©

Other Names
Rockfish, Buoyfish, Black Perch,
Description
Game fish - see bag & size limits

Tripletails are odd-looking, deep-bodied fish with the soft rays of the dorsal and anal fins set well back toward the caudal fin giving it a tri-lobed appearance. Coloration can vary from almost black through reddish-bronze to yellow or mottled. This fish often floats on its side at the water's surface, the coloration and movements resembling that of a dead leaf. They are frequently mistaken for floating debris. Lengths of three feet and weights of 30 to 50 pounds are attained, but normally they range from 5 to 15 pounds.
Life History
Spawning occurs in spring or early summer and the young drift into shallow areas to grow and feed. Food consists of live shrimp, crabs and small fish.
Habitat
Tripletails prefer the mouths of rivers, passes and bays opening into the Gulf displaying some indifference to salinity. They congregate around ship-wrecks, buoys, boats, beacons, pilings, jetties and floating objects.
How To Catch
Food consists of live shrimp, crabs and small fish, so similar baits should be used with small hooks.
Where To Catch
They gather near pilings, jetties, buoys and other floating objects at the mouths of rivers, passes and bays.
Other
This fish often floats on its side at the water's surface, the coloration and movements resembling that of a dead leaf. They are frequently mistaken for floating debris.
Photo of tripletail

TPWD ©