5 Barracuda Fishing Tips You Can Use Now

If you've never experienced barracuda fishing, winter is the perfect time to visit a tropical saltwater destination to try your luck at catching a few. The Florida Keys is one of the best places to go fishing forbarracuda on the flats during the winter months.

Don't dismiss this less popular species just because it has a habit of lunging at other catches that you might be reeling in. Make no mistake about it; the barracuda's hard runs and spectacular jumps are sure to get your heart pounding with excitement.

If you're not sure where to look or what type of barracuda fishing equipment you might need, these five tips can help.
 

1. You can find barracuda on the saltwater flats, in channels, and near inshore structure. When other inshore game fish start acting fickle due to changes in the weather, barracuda fishing on the flats can still be quite productive. Barracuda tend to school up in the shallows during cooler weather, making them prime sight casting targets. As water temperatures warm up on the flats with the arrival of spring, barracuda will usually start moving off into deeper waters.
2. When fishing for barracuda, you can use a 7½-foot medium-action spinning rod and a 4000-series spinning reel spooled with 20-pound braided line. Distance casting is important to avoid spooking this fish species. Once a barracuda spots you or your boat, it usually means the game is over.
3. Always use a wire leader on a barracuda rig. Barracuda have razor-sharp teeth, which means you need to use wire leader that's light enough to go undetected, but strong enough to hold up against a barracuda's toothy grin.
4. When fishing for barracuda with lures, use a fast retrieve. The best barracuda lures give the appearance of prey fleeing through the water, but it's the combination of lure speed and appearance that will trigger a strike. You can try a brightly colored barracuda tube lure or a silver swimming plug.
5. Last, but certainly not least, use caution and a good pair of heavy-duty pliers to remove hooks. If you plan to hold a barracuda for a photo, hold the fish very firmly behind the head.

Use these helpful barracuda fishing tips and get ready to catch your very first barracuda. Before you go, just be sure to learn about the best times to saltwater fish so that you can plan your trip accordingly.