Tripletail
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Lobotes surinamensis

Also called the buoy fish, blackfish, and chobie. hey are found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Western Pacific Oceans. In the western Atlantic they are found from Bermuda and Massachusetts to Argentina and through out the Gulf of Mexico.

They are most distinguished with there 3 tails in the rear and there strong mouths and heavy scales and thick tough skin. There color varies widely, but most specimens seen have been black, brown or yellow. The adults prefer a pelagic existence, the young are found closer to the shore, often in bays and estuaries. In most cases they are found floating on there sides at the surface. Giving the feeling of a big leaf on the surface.

Tripletail can attain a length of 3 feet and weigh as much as 50 lbs. It is a good food fish and puts up a great fight when hooked leaping into the air.

Tripletail are usually sought around wrecks, buoys, and floating debris. Live baits such as shrimp, small fish, are preferred, but buck tail jigs and flies are very successful at times. Riding by crab or lobster buoys and spotting them and the turning back stopping the boat and drifting by them and casting to them while they lay on the surface. Cast past the buoy then wind slowly to have them chase it down and hold on.