Great barracuda caught near Anna Maria Island

Great Barracuda

Barracuda are toothy, chrome-plated ambush predators that hang around reefs, wrecks, and markers, then strike with shocking speed. A 'cuda's first run will get your attention fast.

They crush flashy lures and put on a thrilling, high-speed show, making them a fun bonus catch on the reefs.

Size
Commonly 1–4 feet
Fight
Blistering surface runs
On the table
Usually released
Best season
Year-round around structure

How we catch Great Barracuda

We cast fast-moving tube lures and live baits around nearshore and offshore structure on nearshore and offshore trips.

On the table

Generally released here — barracuda are prized for the fight, not the table.