reef

Gray Triggerfish

Balistes capriscus

Reef + wreck specialist. Small hooks (their mouth is tiny + sharp), shrimp or squid bait. Federally regulated in Atlantic + Gulf with strict seasons + size minimums.

Preferred water temp65–82°F

Preferred depth50–300 ft

Holds onreefs, wrecks, rubble

In our regions

Texas GulfMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideFlorida Panhandle — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaSouth Carolina CoastAlabama GulfLouisiana GulfCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticBig Bend — GulfSouthwest Florida — GulfGeorgia CoastNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)Mississippi GulfNortheast Florida — Atlantic

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 11 regulations for Texas

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Minimum: 15″ FL (fork length)

Federal Gulf: 1/angler, 15" FL min. Season typically Jan-May + Aug-Dec — verify NOAA notice.

GMFMC. Stock rebuilding plan.

TX_GULF

Texas — State waters (0–9 nm) · TPWD

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 20 / angler / day
Minimum: 16″ TL (total length)

TX uses TL. Possession 40.

Texas triggerfish: 20/day, 16" TL.