By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg
Tripletail fishing in the Florida Keys is one of the region’s most exciting and underrated angling opportunities. Known for their unusual appearance, incredible fighting ability, and outstanding table fare, tripletail are a favorite target for anglers who enjoy sight fishing. While they can be caught throughout much of the year, the warmer months typically provide the best opportunities as these unique fish are often found floating near crab trap buoys, channel markers, navigation aids, and other objects drifting on the surface.
Tripletail get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins, which extend toward the tail and make it appear as though the fish has three tails. Their mottled brown coloration allows them to blend in with floating debris and seaweed, making them difficult to spot until you’re almost on top of them. Experienced captains know that slowing down and carefully scanning every buoy or floating object can reveal a trophy-sized fish waiting just beneath the surface.
One of the best techniques for targeting tripletail is sight fishing. On calm, sunny days with clear water, anglers can slowly cruise through the bays, channels, and Gulf side of the Florida Keys while watching for fish suspended just below the surface. Polarized sunglasses are essential because they reduce glare and make it much easier to see fish hiding in the shadows of buoys or floating debris.
When a tripletail is spotted, stealth becomes extremely important. Approach quietly using the trolling motor or idle speed and make a gentle cast several feet beyond the fish. Slowly retrieve your bait into its field of vision. Tripletail are naturally curious and will often swim over to inspect the offering before inhaling it.
Live shrimp remain one of the most effective baits for tripletail. Hook the shrimp lightly through the tail or horn and allow it to drift naturally. Small live pilchards, pinfish, or other baitfish also work exceptionally well when larger fish are present. Artificial lures can be equally productive, especially soft plastic shrimp imitations, paddle-tail swimbaits, or small bucktail jigs. White, chartreuse, and natural colors tend to produce consistently in the clear waters of the Florida Keys.
Tripletail are famous for their powerful fights. Although they may appear sluggish while floating on the surface, once hooked they make strong runs, powerful dives, and violent head shakes. A medium spinning outfit with 15- to 20-pound braided line and a 20-30-pound fluorocarbon leader provides an excellent balance of casting distance and fighting strength. Since many fish are hooked around heavy structure like buoys and channel markers, applying steady pressure is important to prevent them from wrapping the line.
Weather conditions play a significant role in successful tripletail fishing. Calm winds and bright sunshine make spotting fish much easier. Incoming tides often bring clean water and active fish, while overcast skies can make sight fishing considerably more difficult. Patience is one of the biggest keys to success, as anglers may inspect dozens of buoys before finding a fish worth casting to.
Besides being exciting to catch, tripletail are widely regarded as one of Florida’s finest eating fish. Their firm, white fillets have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is excellent grilled, blackened, fried, or baked. Many anglers consider tripletail to be among the best seafood available anywhere.
For anglers looking to experience one of the Florida Keys most unique fisheries, targeting tripletail offers the perfect combination of sight fishing, exciting battles, and exceptional table fare. Whether you’re an experienced angler or introducing someone to the sport, few fishing experiences match the thrill of spotting a large tripletail beneath a buoy and watching it crush your bait.
If you’d like to experience the excitement of tripletail fishing in the Florida Keys, book a trip with Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon, Florida. Captain Joel specializes in light tackle and sight fishing adventures throughout the Keys. Call 813-267-4401 to schedule your next unforgettable Florida Keys fishing charter.
— To book a charter with Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana fishing Company call 813–267–4401 cell or 305–395–4212 office or visit www.marathonkeyfishingcharters@ gmail.com or come visit with us in person at poncho’s fuel dock located at 1280 Ocean View Ave. Marathon Florida Keys.