Weight-integrated shrimp imitations, such as those made by D.O.A., Betts and Berkley, can be effective. Small to medium-sized topwater lures in colors that mimic menhaden, such as the Yo-Zuri Banana Boat and Rapala Skitter Walk, produce strikes when tripletails are in an aggressive mood. Free-swimming fish are also a great target for flyfishermen, as well. An 8-weight outfit spooled with floating line and paired with a saltwater baitfish or crustacean pattern can be deadly.

THINKING ABOUT TOMORROW
In 1997, forward-looking fishing guides and anglers from the Golden Isles area voiced concerns about the unregulated tripletail fishery to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Although little was known about the species, the Georgia legislature, at the urging of the DNR and these concerned individuals, responded by establishing harvest regulations of an 18-inch minimum size and five-fish-per-person daily limit in 1998.

The popularity of tripletail fishing continued to grow. By 2005, anglers and guides were once again fearful that the five-fish daily limit was too liberal. This time, conservation groups like the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia and the Georgia Wildlife Federation joined in to advocate for change. In 2006, the Georgia legislature reduced the daily limit for tripletails to two fish.

Even now, there are several individuals who believe this limit is too generous, particularly if we want to ensure the long-term viability of the springtime fishery for the free-swimming tripletail off Jekyll. They see boats filled with four to six people, each taking their two-fish daily limit as irresponsible and very risky. However, in the absence of more science-based information about tripletails, it’s difficult for the DNR to recommend further restrictions.

While Jekyll marks Georgia’s prime spot for tripletail congregation, there is one more location along the Atlantic Coast where these fish amass -- the area around Port Canaveral, Florida. Anglers believe that tripletails concentrate in both places to spawn; however, there is no credible science-based evidence. The DNR and the University of Georgia are conducting a joint study during 2009 and 2010 to determine if the tripletails offshore Jekyll Island are actually spawning in the area. Information from this study will help decide whether the springtime fishery deserves special management or not.

In the meantime, anglers continue to look forward to a rite of spring -- playing hide and seek with the camouflaged mystery fish. Grab your fishing and tackle and join the game.