Gray triggerfish across North Carolina
North Carolina rules, records and waters for gray triggerfish.
- no creel limitdaily creel
- 11 lb. 6 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
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North Carolina gray triggerfish at a glance
In North Carolina, Gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) counts as a saltwater sport fish. The NCDMF row for state and federal waters off north carolina (snapper-grouper complex) allows no creel limit, 12 in minimum.
In 1992, Morehead City produced the record of 11 lb. 6 oz. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 5 pounds or greater.
The NCDMF profile of gray triggerfish
“Gray triggerfish have large incisor-like teeth and deep laterally compressed bodies covered with tough, sandpaper-like skin. The action of the dorsal spines give the triggerfish its name. The first spine is large, and when erect it remains so until the smaller second spine is deflexed, triggering the first. Gray triggerfish are generally gray with green overtones, with about three faint, broad dark blotches on the upper body and often white dots and lines on the lower body and fins. There are bluish, purplish spots and lines on the upper body and dorsal fin. There is a pale, narrow band on the chin and the upper rim of the eye is blue.”
- SizeGray triggerfish grow to 30 inches and 13 pounds.
- HabitatAlong the western Atlantic, gray triggerfish are typically found in hard bottom areas such as wrecks, rock outcroppings and coral reefs in waters 80 to 300 feet in depth.
- DietTriggerfish use their dorsal and anal fins to ascend and descend vertically and hover over the bottom searching for food. They use powerful jaws with incisor-like teeth to chisel holes, dislodge and crush hard-shelled prey.
- Fishing tipsTriggerfish are hard to catch with hook and line because they nibble the bait. They are usually caught by anglers bottom fishing for other reef species.
- Also calledtriggerfish, taly, leatherjacket, leatherneck
- Confused withfilefish
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
gray triggerfish creel and size rules
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex) | no creel limit | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
Heaviest gray triggerfish the state has recorded
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 11 lb. 6 oz. | Morehead City | 1992 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species listed with gray triggerfish
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Shore and water close to Gray triggerfish
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Beckycafferylepage, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cdtew at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
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North Carolina gray triggerfish, answered
May North Carolina anglers keep gray triggerfish?
no creel limit (State and federal waters off North Carolina (snapper-grouper complex)), size 12 in minimum.
What is the North Carolina record gray triggerfish?
11 lb. 6 oz. from Morehead City (1992).
Which North Carolina waters hold gray triggerfish?
Along the western Atlantic, gray triggerfish are typically found in hard bottom areas such as wrecks, rock outcroppings and coral reefs in waters 80 to 300 feet in depth.
Where does NCWRC stock gray triggerfish?
NCWRC lists none for 2026.
What scientific name do agencies use for gray triggerfish?
Gray triggerfish grow to 30 inches and 13 pounds.
Does North Carolina close the season on gray triggerfish?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
What license fee applies at gray triggerfish?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Are there guides for gray triggerfish?
See the guides page.
Go for gray triggerfish this year
Start with the lists above.