Triggerfish
Balistes capriscus
FR Baliste commun · ES Pejepuerco blanco · PT Cangulo-cinzento · IT Pesce balestra · DE Grauer Drückerfisch
Also known as: Grey TriggerfishCanguloPejepuerco blancoBaliste communGrauer DrückerfischPesce balestraCangulo-cinzento
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight, over visible structure
Depth
5–50m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–SepGood Jun–Oct
Depth range
5–50mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering80%
Float Fishing55%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
Crevice-jammer with a built-in deadbolt — hook me near structure and I'll ram into a crack and lock my spine before you can say 'snapped leader'.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shoreWreck reefShallow water
Recommended baits
CrabMussel
Diet
CrabMusselSea urchinsBivalvesShrimp
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingFloat Fishing
Gear
Best times
Day
I wedge into rock crevices and lock my first dorsal spine bolt upright with a second 'trigger' spine — good luck prying me out.
Field notes
Where to find them
Warm reef and rocky inshore waters worldwide
Where they hang out
Shallow reef and rock, close to shore
Prime time
Daylight, over visible structure
Tide game
Low to moderate
What they're into
Crab, mussel on light rigs
Temperature vibe
Warm-water species
Fave weather
Calm, clear water best
Fun fact about me
Spine-locking reef hider — wedge myself into a crevice and good luck moving me.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Check local size/bag rulesLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern