Fish guide
Great Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda. Also called Barracuda, Cuda.
Showing the fish for Lower Texas coast, South Padre.
Season in Lower Texas
Weak: South Padre guide says barracuda frequent the jetties and flats next to the passes in the border region, mostly small; months not given. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Southeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Florida Keys | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southwest Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
The jetties and flats beside the passes near the border; most average about 16 in (South Padre guide).
Opportunistic ambush predator that feeds through the whole water column; very fast over short distances (Florida Museum). In winter lies on warm grass flats (Keys Weekly).
What to look for
A long silver shape lying still over a flat or reef edge.
Bait
Live small fish such as mullet, pinfish or grunts. .
Leader
A bite-proof leader: barracuda have very sharp teeth and cut large prey into pieces (Florida Museum).
Common mistakes
- Slow retrieves; Keys guides strip or crank fast (Keys Weekly)
- Shiny gear dangling in the water; barracuda may strike at a flash (Florida Museum)
Landing
Use a net or lip grip; keep hands well away from the mouth.
Handling
- Very sharp teeth
Control the fish with a lip grip or towel and unhook with long pliers; never put fingers near the mouth.
Keep or release
Texas rules apply.
Typical: unknown. Large: Over about 5 ft (1.5 m) is very large. Hook-and-line record 103 lb (Florida Museum).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the TX limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you keep a fish.
Sources
- South Padre Island CVB: Bay and offshore fishing guide (species notes) (Angler knowledge)
- Florida Museum, Discover Fishes: great barracuda (Official source)
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