--passphrase-fd= open (PASS, "+<$pass") using . fileno(PASS) I get this error: Reading passphrase from file descriptor 3 ... You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "derek smith" 2048-bit ELG-E key, ID 985DB557, created 2005-12-30 (main key ID 4A673EF3) gpg: encrypted with 2048-bit ELG-E key, ID 985DB557, created 2005-12-30 "derek smith" gpg: public key decryption failed: bad passphrase gpg: decryption failed: secret key not available Press any key to continue . . .