Tripletail was given its name because it appears to have 3 tails. They are a common fish found in the Gulf of Mexico. Though the average size is around 4-10 pounds, these fish have been caught as large as 42.5 lbs. They are similar in appearance to a crappie (in body shape), but the coloration is more like a rock bass. They swim/float on their side like a flounder, but are truly a surface fish, lounging around like a gar. If you happen to catch one you should take precautions when handling one. They have teeth and all of their fins are capable of inflicting serious stab wounds. Its not even safe to grab them by the gills due to the fact that their gill flap is sharp as a knife. It is best to net them with a landing net and deposit them straight into an icechest.

Because of it’s “lazy” nature, it doesn’t have the nutrients and muscle mass of an aggressive gamefish that swim alot more. It is probably one of the mildest fish in terms of flavor profile. In cooking it, because it is so delicate, it’s hard to grill unless in a fish basket.