Barracuda, the Rascal of Saltwater

Barracuda are not just any ordinary fish. They’re very dangerous, fearsome-looking, armed with an awesome set of sharply-toothed teeth and known to attack humans. With about more than 20 known species they can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans. They belong to the family Sphyraenidae.

The great barracuda is the largest member which can grow to more than 100 of lbs. and more than 6 ft. in length. The average weights caught are below 30 lbs., although there’re larger specimens but are rare. The all-tackle world record is 84 lbs. 14 oz.

Characteristics

The body is long and slim with a big and tapered head. It looks like a freshwater pike. Large eyes, big powerful jaws with nail-like teeth as sharp as needles which are able to cut it prey to ribbons. Small scales covered the whole body with a prominent lateral line and a forked tail. The color is olive-grey back and a silver belly. There’re dark blotches on both sides of the body.

The 2 dorsal fins are placed separately. The first dorsal fin has 5 sharply-pointed spines and the second has 10 soft rays.

Habitat

Small fish prefer inshore shallow areas like piers, lagoons, flats, mangrove swamps and estuaries. Larger specimens prefer the deeper seas. Small fish swims in shoals whereas the larger ones swim alone.

Diet

The Great will eat whatever is available around them. They feed voraciously on almost any shoaling fish. Like all others of their species they feed by sight than rather by smell.

Tackle

They’re a great gamefish, especially when fished on light tackle. Casting and popping with artificial lures such as spoons, poppers and plugs provides the best sport. Shinning and flashy colored-lures worked best. They’re attracted to any movement of shiny objects which they would attack savagely. They’re also a big target for fly fishermen with their big streamers. Trolling with heavier tackle takes the sport out of catching these fish with a ferocious reputation.

They’re able battlers when hooked. Their frequent jump out of the water with wide opened mouths and headshakes to escape is simply fantastic. Often they’re the winners, not the fishermen. Wire leaders should be used.

Barracuda are very fierce, sharply-toothed predators. Proper care should be taken when handling them, dead or alive!

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Saltwater Fishing

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