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Gray triggerfish: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Gray triggerfish

Gray triggerfish limit in Florida: Gulf state waters are 15 inches fork length and 1 per person, open March 1 through May 31 and August 1 through December 31. Atlantic state waters are 12 inches fork length and 10 per person, open year-round. Queen triggerfish are marine life and must be kept alive until landed.

Quick answer

Gulf state
15" fork length, 1 per person
Gulf state season
Open March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31
Atlantic state
12" fork length, 10 per person, open year-round
Gear
Hook and line, spears, gigs. Reef fish gear rules apply
Gray triggerfish: side view for identification
Gray triggerfish. Credit: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. Public domain
Total length vs fork lengthTotal length runs from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the squeezed tail. Fork length runs from the tip of the snout to the center of the tail fork.How FWC measures fishTOTAL LENGTH: mouth closed → tip of squeezed tailFORK LENGTH: snout → center of tail forkTL species include: red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, weakfish, snappers, groupers, flounder, sheepsheadFL species include: pompano, permit, Spanish & king mackerel, cobia, amberjacks, hogfish, dolphin
Measure in a straight line with the fish on its side; don't follow its curve. Gray triggerfish are measured in fork length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Gray triggerfish limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf state waters15" fork length1 per personOpen March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1 – Dec. 31
Atlantic state waters12" fork length10 per personOpen year-round
Gulf federal watersListed on the FWC page as 15' FL1 fish within the 20 reef fish aggregateOpens annually March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1–Dec. 31 (the page says potential early quote closures)
Atlantic federal waters12" fork lengthUp to 10 per person within the 20-fish other snapper-grouper aggregateNot separately listed beyond the Atlantic state season

Special regulations apply in Biscayne National Park. The Gulf federal line is copied from FWC's wording, including 15' FL and "potential early quote closures." Queen triggerfish are managed as marine life and must be kept alive until landed. Private-boat anglers who target gray triggerfish need the State Reef Fish Angler designation.

How do you identify Gray triggerfish?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch Gray triggerfish in Florida?

Gray triggerfish live on hard bottom, reefs and ledges in water deeper than 80 feet, and FWC says they are almost always found with red snapper. They eat crabs, sea urchins, shrimp, sand dollars and mollusks. Anglers catch them on squid or cut bait, and they are also taken by spear. FWC says a small, very sharp hook matters because the mouth is hard and bony, and that the fish average 2 to 4 pounds. They can lock the first dorsal spine; pressing the second spine unlocks it.

Regions

Related rules on this site

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gulf gray triggerfish limit?

In Gulf state waters, 15 inches fork length and 1 per person. The season is March 1 through May 31 and August 1 through December 31.

What is the Atlantic gray triggerfish limit?

In Atlantic state waters, 12 inches fork length and 10 per person, open year-round.

What does the federal Gulf line say?

FWC writes that the season opens annually March 1 through May 31 and August 1 through December 31, with potential early quote closures, 15' FL, and 1 fish within the 20 reef fish aggregate.

Are queen triggerfish the same?

No. FWC says queen triggerfish are managed as marine life and must be kept alive until landed.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

Related guides

Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.