Deep, laterally compressed, mottled brown-to-yellowish fish whose rounded dorsal, anal, and tail fins give a three-tailed look. Often floats on its side near the surface like a piece of debris. Galveston fish are commonly 2-10 lb, with teens possible.
⚖ Texas & federal limits Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
On the water
WhenLate spring through fall as water warms; sight-fished on calm, clear days when fish lie up near the surface around markers and floats.WhereNear floating and fixed structure just off the beach and in the bay mouths - channel markers, buoys, crab-trap floats, weedlines, anchor lines, and flotsam. They hold tight to shade and cover in 5-40 ft.HowIdle the marker line and buoy field, spot a fish lying up, and pitch a live shrimp or small jig well past it, drawing it back through the shade. A quiet approach is everything - they spook off a close, loud boat.BehaviorAmbush predator that shadows structure and floating cover, tipping on its side to blend in and picking off shrimp, crabs, and small fish drifting past.The fightStrong, bulldogging runs for its size, turning side-on to dig for the nearest structure.
Baits that work
Live shrimp (top bait)
Small live finfish (mud minnows, finger mullet)
Shrimp-tipped jigs
Small soft plastics
Tackle
Rod & reelMedium 7 ft spinningLine15-20 lb braidLeader20-30 lb fluoroTerminal1/0-3/0 circle, or a 1/4-3/8 oz jig headRigFree-lined live shrimp under a small float, or a light jig
The bait clock
☀ DawnLive shrimp pitched to markers
Calm, low light lets you ease up on lie-up fish.
☼ MiddayLive shrimp or small jig, sight-cast
Prime: high sun makes surface fish visible against structure.
☾ DuskLive shrimp near shaded structure
Fish still hold cover but spotting them fades.
[{'months': [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10], 'note': 'Warm-season sight fishery around the beachfront buoys and jetty-channel markers.'}]
Finding a fish lying up is the whole game; flat, sunny days beat a chop.
A tripletail lying on its side under a buoy looks like a floating flounder or leaf. Rounded dorsal and anal lobes make the 'three tails'; eyes are on both sides of the head.
Handling & releaseShallow-water fish - no barotrauma. Handle with a wet hand or net; the gill-cover and dorsal spines are sharp. Revive and release fish you won't eat.On the tableFirm, white, sweet fillets - a prized eating fish.As baitNo - excellent table fare.
