Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis)

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- 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.

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