ELECTRIC BLUE FISHING
Barracuda
(Sphyraena barracuda)
 Distribution & Size The Barracuda (Sphyraena 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 blue water. 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. 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
It is best caught using live baits, we used whole Bonito flat lined at about 100 meters 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. We normally just let them go. State Limits and Regulations
FLORIDA FISH
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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.[Electric Blue] [Travel] [Attractions] [Photos] [Weather] [Links] [Email]