Baracuda < back
The body of the California Barracuda is very elongated and slender, and almost round. The mouth is large, with canine-like teeth. It has a sharply pointed snout with a projecting lower jaw. The color is grayish black with a bluish tinge on the back, becoming silvery or white on the sides and belly. The tail is yellowish and the dorsal fins are widely spaced.
Most of the Barracuda caught in the Southern California area will be in the 5 or 6 pound range (there is a 28" minimum size limit on barracuda). If you see a very large barracuda, in the 10 pound range, chances are it's a female. Positive identification can be made because the female has a charcoal black edge on the pelvic and anal fins, whereas the male fins are edged in yellow or olive.
The California barracuda's main forage is anchovies and other small fishes. Most California barracuda are taken with live bait fished at or near the surface; however, they will take an assortment of trolled artifical lures, or cast jigs with a fast retrieve.
Appropriate tackle for barracuda is a rig in the 10 to 20 lb. class. Light tackle fisherman can have a ball on the barracuda. Barracuda are one of the most often caught fish in the Southern California waters. Though not as powerful as the tunas or yellowtail, they put up a respectable fight and their willingness to bite, makes them popular among area fisherman. Barracuda have saved the day for many fisherman.
Most Barracuda are taken on live bait, anchovies or sardines. To increase your catch, put away the wire leaders, they are just not necessary. Tie hooks directly to your line. Sure you may loose an occassional fish, but you will get more bites without the wire. I routinely catch barracuda on 6 to 8 pound line without the wire leader.
Barracuda will agressively take most artificials with iron jigs and flashers, like the Crocadile, being among the favorites. A lure that is often overlooked these days, but very effective, is the feather jig. Presented properly, with long steady tugs, these lures will often outfish all other styles of lures. For light liners, this is an especially attractive lure.