Great Barracuda, Ben July 10, 2004
(Sphyraena barracuda)
OTHER NAMES: Cuda, Sea Pike,
Picuda
RANGE: Florida coasts, the Bahamas and the
Caribbean.
HABITAT: The Barracuda is at home almost
anywhere in South Florida and the tropical islands from shorelines and
bays out to blue water. Although most fish in the shallows are small, it
still is possible to connect with a 15- or 20-pounder perhaps even a
larger one on the flats, or from shore. In Central and North Florida both
Atlantic and Gulf the Great Barracuda is seldom seen inshore, but is
common offshore on wrecks and artificial
reefs.
DESCRIPTION: Greenish or grayish above, with
silvery sides marked by numerous dark blotches. Tall widely forked with
pointed lobes. Two other members of the cuda family might be encountered.
The fairly uncommon Southern Sennet, Sphyraena picudilla, grows to about
18 inches, but looks very similar to the bigger Cuda and is usually found
in schools. The Guaguanche, Sphyraena guachancho, is much like the Sennet
in size, shape and rarity. It can be distinguished by a yellow or gold
mid-body stripe.
SIZE: The Great Barracuda ranges from
foot-long juveniles on shallow flats to 50 pounds or more offshore. Usual
maximum is around 30 pounds, with the average being 5-15 pounds. World
record 85 pounds; Florida record 67 pounds.
FOOD
VALUE: Excellent up to 5 pounds or so. Larger fish sometimes
carry Ciguatera (see Introduction).
GAME QUALITIES: On
appropriate tackle, the Great Barracuda is one of our most spectacular and
able fighters, frequently mixing fast and fairly long runs with
greyhounding jumps. In deeper water, such as over the reefs, it can also
fight with strength and stamina.
TACKLE AND BAITS: For
inshore fishing on the flats and along shorelines, spinning and
baitcasting tackle are ideal, and fly tackle will also take plenty of
Cuda. The best artificial bait for Barracuda is a tube lure, made from a
foot or 18 inches of plastic tubing with wire through the middle and a
hook on the end. Fly casters can make or buy similar lures of braided
textile materials. Over reefs and wrecks, casting tackle is still a good
choice, with light saltwater gear also capable of providing good sport.
Live fish make the very best natural baits. The Barracuda also attacks
rigged natural baits, such as Ballyhoo, with great
pleasure.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Still Fishing;
Trolling.
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Updated 07/12/04