Also known as
- Atlantic Tripletail US
- Buoy Fish US
- Buoyfish US
- Flasher US
- Sleepfish US
- Black Perch US
- Steamboat US
Identification
A deep-bodied SE US, Gulf, and tropical-Atlantic structure-loving sportfish — laterally compressed rhomboid profile delivers stubborn pulling power. Juveniles slimmer with brighter mottling.
- Variable colour from muted brown to golden olive with dark irregular blotches
- Three large rounded fins — dorsal, caudal, and anal — creating the diagnostic three-tailed silhouette
- Concave forehead becoming more pronounced with age
- Sharp serrated gill plates
- Juveniles exhibit mottled yellow, brown, and black leaf-mimicking patterning
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Estuaries
- Wrecks
Behaviour
A solitary structure-associated ambush predator that floats on its side just below the surface alongside crab-trap floats, channel markers, buoys, weedlines, sargassum mats, and pilings, mimicking floating debris. Hunts by waiting; allows shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish to drift within reach before striking with surprising speed. Most active in 22-30°C (72-86°F) water; coastal-migratory, tracking warm water through summer and retreating offshore as water cools.
Diet: Shrimp, Small Crabs, Small Baitfish, Pinfish
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
The dominant Florida, Georgia, and Gulf approach — idle slowly along crab-trap floats, channel markers, buoys, and weedlines spotting fish on the surface, then pitch a soft-plastic shrimp, jig, or scented soft bait past the structure and let it sink naturally past the fish. Approach quietly — they spook despite the lethargic appearance. 7ft medium spinning, PE1.5-2.0 mainline, 30cm of 25lb fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0-2/0 hook for the small mouth. Delay the hookset 3-4 seconds.
Live Lining
The classic SE US sight-cast approach to visible fish on structure — pitch a live shrimp, fiddler crab, pinfish, or pilchard on a 1/0-2/0 J-hook (or circle hook per regs) with 25lb fluorocarbon leader and minimal weight past the fish. Allow the bait to drift naturally toward the floating fish and wait for the slow take. Delay the hookset 3-4 seconds.
Drift Fishing
A productive approach for covering scattered structure across open bays and nearshore — drift with wind or current presenting a live shrimp or small crab on a 1/0 hook with 25lb fluorocarbon leader and minimal weight as the boat passes near each piece of floating cover. Useful when fish are spread thin across a productive zone.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
An emerging Florida and Gulf sight-cast fly target — present a crab, shrimp, or small baitfish pattern from an 8wt rod on floating line accurately past visible surface fish. Slow strips with long pauses; the fish often eats on the drop. 30cm of 25lb fluorocarbon shock tippet for the abrasive gill plates. Delay the strip-strike 3-4 seconds.
