Barracuda have invaded area wrecks. Thousands of the toothy gamefish can be found above most area wrecks and artificial reefs.
A variety of live baits can be slow-trolled, but a large Spanish mackerel is best. Use numerous hooks; start at the snout and work your way to the tail to assure a good hookup. Once the 'cuda strikes, immediately free-spool the reel to let the bait descend slowly to the bottom. It normally gets attacked a few times before getting hooked up. I recommend No. 6 (60-pound) wire leader. My second choice for great action is a tube lure. This rig consists of a length of surgical-type tubing encased with wire leader and several hooks. Store-bought tubes work but don't usually exceed more than 24 inches, so I prefer to make my own, at least 3-4 feet long.
The strikes are phenomenal, because two or more 'cudas will attack the same lure at the same time. Troll at 6 mph, working the tube with a fast jerking motion. Hot pink and green are the colors most captains prefer.
Spinner sharks remain to haunt anglers reeling in trophy catches this week. A barracuda or kingfish becomes an easy target during the last few minutes of the battle. Use caution when releasing the fish since these sharks are fearless. This spring, many of our fish were mauled only a few feet away by these aggressive feeders.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
