Where boats run for gray triggerfish out of Tarpon Springs
Gray triggerfish fishing out of Tarpon Springs means working reefs and wrecks on the way into the gulf. Boats stop on structure one after another instead of making a single long run to one spot. This page lists the named structure, the one published position, and the one waypoint ID available for this port. For the run out of the Anclote River, the ramps, and local navigation, see the Tarpon Springs port guide. The wider picture is in the gray triggerfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
Fishing your way into the gulf
Boats here fish reefs and wrecks "as you fish your way into the gulf." The first stops are on structure, and the next ones follow, with no single long haul to one mark. Two groups of structure anchor the route: the Pinellas County artificial reef at Tarpon Springs Reef, and the Pasco County reef areas.
When the fish are around
Miss Virginia lists triggerfish on its all-day trips. Open dates and limits are on the state regulations page, covered in the Regulations section below.
Reefs and wrecks that hold them
The structure splits between Pinellas County and Pasco County. Pinellas has Tarpon Springs Reef. Pasco has the reef areas, the army tank reef, and the Hellcat. The same structure holds other bottom species, which the reef fish guides cover.
Tarpon Springs Reef
Tarpon Springs Reef is a Pinellas County artificial reef at N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0.
Pasco 1 and Pasco 2
Pasco 1 and Pasco 2 are reef areas off Pasco County.
Pasco County Site 1
Pasco County Site 1 is a reef area.
Pasco County Site 2 army tanks
Pasco County Site 2 is a reef area built around army tanks.
Hellcat (PS-19)
The Hellcat is a WWII Hellcat airplane. Its waypoint ID is PS-19, a Pasco County reef waypoint.
Anclote Keys, North Keys and Devils Rock Yard
Anclote Keys and North Keys are the island landmarks near where boats start. Devils Rock Yard is also a named ground. Honeymoon Island is nearby but is known as a tarpon area.
| Name | Area | Structure | Position/ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Springs Reef | Pinellas County | Artificial reef | N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0 |
| Pasco 1 and Pasco 2 | Pasco County | Reef areas | – |
| Pasco County Site 1 | Pasco County | Reef area | – |
| Pasco County Site 2 | Pasco County | Army tank reef | – |
| Hellcat | Pasco County | WWII Hellcat airplane | PS-19 |
| Anclote Keys and North Keys | – | Islands | – |
| Devils Rock Yard | – | – | – |
Coordinates and chart layers are not for navigation.
How triggerfish are fished locally
The local method is bottom fishing on the reefs and wrecks listed above. For rigs, baits, and behavior, see the gray triggerfish guide. Before running offshore, check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height, and period.
Bottom fishing reefs and wrecks
Work the structure in sequence and keep your bait on the bottom of the reef or wreck itself:
- Stop on structure in sequence as you work out into the gulf.
- Fish the bottom on the reef or wreck itself.
- Read wind, wave height, and period in numbers from the official forecast.
Who fishes for them from this port
Gray triggerfish out of Tarpon Springs are fished from the party boat Miss Virginia, which lists them on its all-day trips.
Miss Virginia
Miss Virginia Deep Sea Fishing runs the 58-foot party boat Miss Virginia, owned by the Zuban family. The boat lists triggerfish on its all-day trips.
| Operator | Boat | Owner | Triggerfish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss Virginia Deep Sea Fishing | 58-foot party boat Miss Virginia | Zuban family | Listed on all-day trips |
FAQ
Where do Tarpon Springs boats find gray triggerfish?
On reefs and wrecks fished on the way into the gulf. Named structure includes Tarpon Springs Reef, the Pasco reef areas, and the Hellcat.
What is the position of Tarpon Springs Reef?
N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0, a Pinellas County artificial reef. Not for navigation.
What is PS-19?
PS-19 is the Pasco County reef waypoint for the Hellcat, a WWII Hellcat airplane.
Does a party boat out of Tarpon Springs target triggerfish?
Miss Virginia, the Zuban family’s 58-foot party boat, lists triggerfish on its all-day trips.
Where are the rules?
On the FWC regulations page. Check it before fishing, and check the federal rules when you cross into federal waters.
