Spearfishing for Triggerfish in Hampton Bays

Triggerfish are a funny looking, fun to catch summer species in the New York/NJ bite. They usually swim up in the gulfstream as the waters warm and show up on the reefs in mid-July while party boats are targeting sea bass and porgies. The Ocean Eagle out of Sheepshead Bay is a great party boat that targets these tasty fish.

Triggerfish are sustainable, locally caught fish, prized by seasoned salties. They have firm white flesh that is slightly sweet in flavor – closer to crab than fish in some ways. Their firm fresh hold up on the grill and they can be cooked whole or as fillets. I like them beer battered and deep fried, baked or poached, or any simple method that lets their flavor shine. This wonderful taste of summer is something I look forward to each year.