Louisiana Tripletail on the Fly

The tripletail is a flat fish, best distinguished by the unusual arrangement of the back fins. The soft parts of the dorsal and anal fins are so snug with the caudal, that on the first look these there appear as a single, three lobed fin. The eye is very near the front of the jaw, resulting in a tiny snout region, making the entire head area appear small, and the head profile slightly concave.

The tripletail is a slothful, sluggish animal, much preferring to drift with the currents to take it where they will than to set course and go to it. They're especially content with this existence if they are in the company of some floating debris or vegetation. They drift along, assuming various postures. They like laying on their side with their head arched downward. This prone, camouflaged position enables them to passively prey on small unsuspecting fishes that may pass near. Sometimes their attraction to floating objects will cause them to collect around barges or anchored boats, and they especially like channel and range markers sprinkled throughout the Intercoastal Waterway.

Despite their slovenly habits, the tripletail is capable of amazing short bursts of speed and lighting attacks. They fight extremely well.

Capt. Dan Ayo
E-mail    -  flyfisher@flyfishlouisiana.com
Website - Shallow Minded Guide Service
(985) 855-1381 before 8 PM Central Time