Triggerfish

[McCowen]

Hi all,

 

Do any of you know if Trigger Fish are any good to keep?

I caught a large one of the North Devon Coast this weekend and did not know much about it. After a long battle to get the hook out (gnashing teeth and a bard on its back ) I put it back. Should I of kept it? Would it make a good lunch ?

Size was approx 400mm long from tip to tail.

Also caught several Mackerel and a Pollock.

[Martin Hurst]

Chipboard!!

[overrun]

Hi all,

 

Do any of you know if Trigger Fish are any good to keep?

I caught a large one of the North Devon Coast this weekend and did not know much about it. After a long battle to get the hook out (gnashing teeth and a bard on its back ) I put it back. Should I of kept it? Would it make a good lunch ?

Size was approx 400mm long from tip to tail.

Also caught several Mackerel and a Pollock.

 

Been there mate, took one home and the first problem was gutting it. The skin is like Kevlar, a sharp knife won't touch it, solution, bread knife and saw the head off. After that figured it would be easier to handle once cooked to baked in the oven along with a similar sized Bream. Bream was lovely, the Trigger was just starting to flake at the exposed flesh end but I couldn't get through the skin. Resorted to cooking scissors and managed to peel it. Remaining flesh was, well, extremely firm and needed a very sharp knife. Eat the odd flakes off the head end and was pleasant enough but the remainder not cooked or inedible. Have since been told that they can be eaten and taste like Monkfish, haven't found a recipe.

 

Best of luck

Edited September 17, 2007 by overrun

[BristolLes]

Are Trigger fish dangerous ?!

 

 

I've never seen a trigger in the flesh, but did read in a sea fishing monthly that you should watch out for those "gnashing teeth" !

 

 

Apparently, they are only too happy to give you a quick nip !

 

 

Is this true ?

[overrun]

Are Trigger fish dangerous ?!

I've never seen a trigger in the flesh, but did read in a sea fishing monthly that you should watch out for those "gnashing teeth" !

Apparently, they are only too happy to give you a quick nip !

Is this true ?

 

Apparently they can bite through fine wire hooks, which I can easily believe, teeth are like Wrasse but they snap their jaws shut like a trap. Bear in mind they bite straight through limpets and barnacles when feeding. A quick nip is to be avoided as flesh will be removed.

 

and since you've mentioned it here's a pick:

 

 

Great sport on light tackle as theyare usually at least 1.5lb and go mental when hooked, harder fight then a Bream of the same size which says a lot.

[McCowen]

Great, thanks for the replies . Ill go to that mark again and see if i can have some fun with another Triggerfish. Must take my camara out with me.

[captain cojones]

Triggerfish make excellent eating.

the easiest way to cook them is to gut them and bake them whole.

very meaty, and a very good taste.