The triple tail fish, also known as the blackfish, is a fascinating aquatic creature in Florida's Big Bend fishing communities. Known for its distinctive three-lobed tail, the fish is known for its mesmerizing dance and its fascination with floating structures. Anglers use patience and technique to catch the fish, using Fish Attracting Devices (FADs) and shrimp. However, stewards of the ocean must ensure the FADs are retrieved and stored for future use.
The triple tail fish, a popular eating fish, often hangs around buoys and floating grass structures. In Florida, the minimum size is 18". Anglers often spot these fish during crab buoys, slowing down after passing them and drifting into casting range. To catch them, a simple technique involves tying a jighead under a cork and baiting it with tail-hooked shrimp. Once hooked, keep the fish off the structure by cranking the motor.
Tripletail FADs are often seen in stone crab season, spotted around pilings, channel markers, and crab buoys. They are finer-eating fish with firm white meat, similar to grouper of snapper. They feed on bait fish and crustaceans attracted to algae on long-standing structures. Longer, grimier objects attract more algae and sea life, making them a stealthy predator.
