Geriatric Triggerfish

Triggerfish… they are one of the most skittish fish on the flats. They possess heightened senses when it comes to the approaching angler. It can be hard to sneak into within casting range and they will all run at the slightest abnormality in their silvery world. Or so I thought…

I followed, cast to, hooked and lost this fish for over an hour. He eagerly ate my first presentation, but the hook didn’t set. Instead of blowing up, like most do, he continued probing the coral heads. I recast, but he had lost interest. Never one to give up, I tied on a new fly. Once again he pounced with the same result, he instantly came unbuttoned. This pattern continued and on the fourth fly, I was finally able to set the hook! Now comes the fight only a trigger can offer. Nope, he came in with a decided lack of interest and even less fight. When I lifted him for the final disgrace of a picture, I noticed he was completely emaciated. Old or sick, I’m not sure, but I felt bad for the fella…