Fishing Florida The Sunshine State's Top 25 Game Fish

A GORP Content Partner Adapted from Fishing Florida by Kris Thoemke

Distribution - Widely distributed. Usually caught offshore and on the flats in the Florida Keys. Resides year-round in southern waters; moves north during warmer months. Look for barracuda around any submerged structure.

Sphyraena barracuda GREAT BARRACUDA

Tackle and techniques - Use spinning or bait-casting gear with a minimum 15-pound test line and a heavy monofilament or wire leader. The fish may also be caught when trolling for bluewater species. Barracuda on the flats can be taken by fly rod. Use at least a rod and reel rated for an 8-weight line. Barracuda are most dangerous when hooked and being brought into the boat; beware the 'cuda's razor sharp teeth.

Bait - Use any small fish or fishlike lure. The tube lure is best. Barracuda is said to be tasty but few people eat the meat because of the risk of ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera toxin is produced by microscopic organisms that live around coral reefs and other hard submerged structures. The toxin accumulates in the tissues of fish feeding around the reefs.

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