Finescale Triggerfish

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Point Conception, California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. More abundant in Baja California and the Gulf of California than in California proper. Found around rocky reefs and kelp edges in 10–180 feet. Occasionally caught by Southern California anglers in warm water years.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–74°F. A warm-water triggerfish associated with rocky reef and open-water environments. More commonly encountered south of the US-Mexico border. Can be locally abundant in El Niño years when warm water pushes north.

Size & Weight: Typically 1–5 lbs and 12–20 inches. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 8 oz. Characteristic trigger mechanism in the dorsal spine — can be locked upright for protection in rock crevices. Good eating — firm, white meat.

Best Lures: Small jigs near rocky bottom produce strikes. Medium swimbaits work around reef structure.

Best Baits: Fresh squid is the top bait. Fresh shrimp produce results. Small pieces of any fresh fish catch Triggerfish. Light to medium tackle near rocky structure.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Point Conception, California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. More abundant in Baja California and the Gulf of California than in California proper. Found around rocky reefs and kelp edges in 10–180 feet. Occasionally caught by Southern California anglers in warm water years.

62°F–74°F. A warm-water triggerfish associated with rocky reef and open-water environments. More commonly encountered south of the US-Mexico border. Can be locally abundant in El Niño years when warm water pushes north.

Best Lures: Small jigs near rocky bottom produce strikes. Medium swimbaits work around reef structure. Best Baits: Fresh squid is the top bait. Fresh shrimp produce results. Small pieces of any fresh fish catch Triggerfish. Light to medium tackle near rocky structure.

Typically 1–5 lbs and 12–20 inches. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. World record: 8 lbs 8 oz. Characteristic trigger mechanism in the dorsal spine — can be locked upright for protection in rock crevices. Good eating — firm, white meat.