Sphyraena barracuda

The greater barracuda is a circumtropical semi-pelagic fish enjoying warm waters. It can be found anywhere, on the reef, in the blue and even more frequently, on wrecks or FADs. Larger specimens are generally more pelagic than juveniles.

The greater barracuda can be seen all year-round, any time, including mid-day. Of all the varieties it is the most plump, recognizable especially by its huge mouth and the black spots on the silver dress.

The greater barracuda is generally hunted by directly diving on it or midwater agachon. It is sometimes necessary to insist with several dives / drifts to make it change its mind and approach.

In Indonesia they are very fished and are generally more wary than elsewhere.

A general advice for barracudas: Always shoot them from ¾ behind and ideally jump on the boat to land a big specimen or a poorly shot one. It is a very fast fish with a formidable dentition capable of inflicting wounds even more serious that you will be in an isolated place, and even if they weigh only 6-7kg. At more than 15kg one must be very handled very carefully.

The barracuda can be hunted either with a floatline or with a reel, even for the big ones, because it is less vigorous than the tengiri or the wahoo. The slip tip is a plus because of the speed of the rush but in this case be careful of fish coming back for you.

A positive point is that due to the absence of ciguatera in Indonesia, one can shoot and consume the barracuda without hindsight. A catch therefore valid but potentially dangerous.