Tripletail Fishing in Miami
Lobotes surinamensis
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that float on their sides under weed, buoys and debris, pretending to be a dead leaf. Once hooked they pull hard and are among the best fish to eat. Spotting one is half the fun.
Quick facts
Most are 15 to 25 inches long.
Large fish are uncommon.
The rear fins look like three tails.
They lie on their sides near the surface.
Under floating objects.
Where to catch them off Miami
Weedlines
Tripletail hide under floating weed offshore.
Buoys and markers
Channel markers and buoys often hold a fish.
Floating debris
Any floating object can hold one.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Tripletail are caught mostly with mahi in spring and summer.
Best time and conditions
Calm days
Calm seas make it easier to see fish under weed.
Sunny days
Good light helps spot them.
Techniques and baits
Sight casting
Pitching a bait to a fish you can see.
Light tackle
Spinning tackle is ideal.
Quiet approach
Moving slowly so the fish does not spook.
Live shrimp
A live shrimp is hard for them to refuse.
Top baits and lures
- Live shrimp
- Pilchards
- Small jigs
Florida regulations
On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Tripletail rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. Mild, flaky white meat.
Which charter is best?
Full Day Fishing
- $1,200 per trip
- 8 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Shark and Barracuda
Tripletail FAQ
When is tripletail season in Miami?
Mostly spring and summer, often with mahi.
How many tripletail can I keep?
2 per person, at least 18 inches long. Spearing them is not allowed.
Why do tripletail float on their side?
It helps them look like floating debris so baitfish come close.
Are tripletail good to eat?
Yes, they are one of the best.
Which charter is best for tripletail?
The Full Day offshore trip, while searching weedlines.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.