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 Barracuda
(Sphyraena barracuda)


 Distribution & Size

The Barracuda is found almost anywhere in South Florida and will move into northern Florida during the warmer months.  This fish is found from the shoreline  out to the bluewater.  Juvenile fish are found around submerged structures, along the beaches and on the flats.  It is common on offshore wrecks and artificial reefs and can be a nuisance when fishing for other species. It's nothing unusual to catch half a fish which has been eaten by this veracious predator, even this fish may have been 20lbs. Average fish weigh from 5 to 15 lbs. Offshore up to 30lbs with specimen fish in the 50lb mark.  

Our picture shows a fish of 48lbs caught from the
"ELECTRIC BLUE" by Ed Wieszczck of Clearwater.

 

The Florida record is 67lbs and the World Record stands at a whopping 85lbs.

A little way yet to go ED!

 General Information

The Barracuda has earned the reputation as a fearsome creature with its menacing stare, combined with its mouth full of razor sharp teeth. Its appearance is that of a feared predator but it probably does not deserve that title.  The Barracuda is a curious fish and will check out visitors than venture into its territory.  This curiosity should not be construed that it is about to attack.  In fact attacks on divers are very rare. 

However the Barracuda is a dangerous fish when hooked and brought into a boat.  When hooked the fish may leap out of the water and tail walk in a spectacular fashion. This may happen several times. Be especially careful whenever handling this specie as its teeth are extremely sharp, as can be seen from our picture. When releasing the fish, it is liable to turn and bite, so take care.

It is best caught using live baits, we used whole Bonito flat lined at about 100 metres to catch the one pictured or you can use tube lures which are popular.

 Eating Qualities

The fish is excellent to eat up to a size of 5lbs. However the fish is not normal table fare as it is known to cause ciguatera poisoning.  This fish gets this disease from eating organisms that have ciguatera and then concentrating the toxins in its body. Therefore most people avoid eating this specie. I certainly would not recommend eating them to anyone, as there is no antidote I am told to ciguatera.

 State Limits and Regulations

Size Limit 

Closed Season 

Daily Rec. Bag Limit 

Remarks

None

None

None

Larger fish may
contain the toxin ciguatera


FLORIDA FISH
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Spanish Mackerel Snook Spearfish Ladyfish Permit Lizard Fish

 


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