When Bryan Perry of Bristol, England, called to book a trip for himself and his family, he said he wanted to catch some "proper" fish. Not being familiar with that species, I asked what a "proper" fish was. He said they had caught small fish here and in England and wanted to catch something more memorable.
Barracuda can be considered a proper fish, not only because of size but their appearance and fighting characteristics on light tackle. Some barracuda put on an aerial show that matches dolphin and sailfish, and others stay deep and slug it out like amberjack and cobia.
Barracuda can be found hanging near artificial reefs, wrecks, channel markers and large ledges. They prefer clean water and move from the nearshore reefs when the water is dirty. They demand a ready supply of fish to supply their voracious appetites, but they are not usually targeted in this area December through March after bait concentrations have moved south.
Like kingfish, 'cudas can be caught on artificials or live bait. Early in the season they can be fooled by spoons, plugs and lures made of surgical tubing. They become wary as the season progresses, and live bait becomes more effective. Slow-trolling large blue runners over structure produces memorable action, and the Perry family experienced 10 strikes and landed six barracuda, which were lip-gaffed and released.
- Capt. Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach and can be reached at 727 397-8815 or by e-mail at Luckytoo2@aol.com
