Planning and preparation are crucial for offshore fishing trips, with the hope of returning with a full haul of fish. While you might target specific types of fish, sometimes you are fortunate to catch different species as well.

One such unexpected catch is the triggerfish. Captain Ryan Amaturo of Reel Nauti Fishing Charters often finds these fish as ‘bycatch,’ which refers to the fish you catch unintentionally. Depending on the situation, these unplanned catches can be a pleasant surprise or less than ideal.

A triggerfish is considered a good thing! Especially when they’re in season and you can take them home.

According to Amaturo, triggerfish are delicious and typically start appearing around 100 feet deep, although most sizable catches are found between 140 and 200 feet.

They get their name from their trigger like fin. Their top fin is stout and will not bend back, it acts as a defense mechanism for them. It will, however, drop if you push the fin behind that front fin.

Along with bycatch, you never know what you might see miles away from the shoreline. Dolphins like to hang out sometimes.

Turtles are quite curious and are also a sign of reef and more fish nearby!

Barracudas put on a show once in a while. Sharks, rays, flying fish, you just never know!

The hope is to always come back with a full cooler and maybe a few awesome memories as well.

If you would like to contact Captain Ryan Amaturo, you can do so on his Facebook page or here on his website.