They are predatory fish with a jutting bottom jaw and sharp pointed teeth of different sizes. They initially thought is was a tarpon, even though there were none of the trademark leaps. Mature specimens are usually around 60100 cm (2439 in) in length and weigh 2.59.0 kg (5.519.8 lb). Like tarpon, Arapaima are capable of jumping out of the water for food and their prey include small mammals, lizards, birds and other fish. WebFlorida Sportfishing Species Barracuda Family Sphyraenidae. Exceptionally large specimens can exceed 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and weigh over 23 kg (51 lb). Symptoms of ciguaterapoisoning from predator fish include diarrhea and vomiting, dizziness, feeling hot and cold, numbness, and itchy skin. All rights reserved. Florida is a hot spot for enormous freshwater and saltwater fish. When a new fish species is made eligible for the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program by FWC, an effective date will be announced. WebThe largest Barracuda caught off of Key West weighed 67 pounds and the world record is 85 pounds. Lionfish were quick to establish an invasive presence in Florida, she said, because females can produce egg masses every four days and can release up to two million eggs a year. The arapaima is native to the Amazon River in South America and is one of the worlds largest predatory fish. F&S Classics:Take a dive into the archives for the stories and photos behind record fish that are still as impressive today as when the giants were first landed. The big barracuda weighed 46.4 kilograms (102 pounds, 8 oz) narrowly topping the all-tackle IGFA world record, a 45.9-kilo (101-pound, 3 oz.) Young have dark stripe on side that breaks The great barracuda is present in tropical to warm temperate waters, in subtropical parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, from mangrove areas to deep reef, with a lower depth limit of 110 meters. Id rather have the all-tackle tarpon recordin fact, I was in a boat 300 yards away when the guy caught the 286-pounder that is the current world recordbut this barracuda was certainly good, he says. The Guinean barracuda weighed a whopping 102.8 pounds (46.4 kilograms) and was just over six feet 10 inches long. Divers should avoid using shiny objects like diving knives in their presence because this attracts attention. The anglers signature on a completed application form must be witnessed by a notary. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The FWC said to make sure to take a photo, if possible, and provide the location, date and time of the sighting. It weighed a huge 67 pounds. WebMouth with prominent, sharp teeth; lower jaw protrudes past upper jaw. Habits Barracuda are a fast predatory fish often found in shallow tropical water near coral reefs and sand flats. and was 63.43 inches long. There are 26 species of barracuda in the world, ranging in color and size but they are all voracious predators. Experts say great barracuda are the species swimming around Floridas waters, but this is a massive fish when fully grown, so serious tackle is required to reel in the largest. The lure is heavy, casts a mile and sinks fast, Quinn says. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. But a fearsome new invasive predator has emerged in the state: the arapaima, a monster fish that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. Barracuda can get to almost seven foot as seen from the one Thomas Gibson hooked. All-tackle is any gear that can be legally used to recreationally harvest a species. Great barracudas are large fish, and one of the largest of the Barracudas. The barracuda is a saltwater fish of the genus Sphyraena, the only genus in the family Sphyraenidae, which was named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1815. The large barracuda ever caught in Florida was a 67-pound great barracuda, but this species can reach five to six feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds, so theres everything to fish for! Barracudas may mistake objects that glint and shine for prey. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the record for the heaviest gator caught in the state is a 1,043-pound male from Orange Lake in Alachua County. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Habits Barracuda are a fast predatory fish often found in shallow tropical water near coral reefs and sand flats. If youre ready to pack your rod and discover the largest barracuda ever caught in Florida, youll break a record held since 1949. Barracudas may mistake objects that glint and shine for prey. Great barracuda hovering in the current at Paradise Reef, This page was last edited on 25 August 2022, at 13:50. Sport Fishings Doug Olander caught this cuda on a bone/chartreuse Long Cast Shallow. Therefore, new records for some species may not be attainable at this time. Doug Olander. They usually hunt alone, but when prey is plentiful, they congregate, snatch, and cause a commotion. There is no evidence that arapaima have reproduced in the wild in Florida, the FWC said in an email. When photographs are required, the proper fish handling techniques and photo rules below apply. An alligator slammed into the side of a kayak, tipping the boater into the river. Barracuda are curious fish and because they have few predators, they will investigate most flashing lures or meat baits. Examples: If the current record is 100 pounds (45.35 kg), the additional weight required would be 8 ounces (226.7 gm); if the current record is 200 pounds (90.71 kg), the additional weight required would be 1 pound (.453 kg). These spots regularly turn up barracuda from one to three feet, with up to five feet barracuda spotted on occasion too. There are likely to be more world record fish that even exceed the size of the one Gibson caught and there will be more noteworthy catches in the future and possibly a new IGFA world record fish. But once they hauled it over the gunwales, Gibson says, It never wiggled again., Nicolson and his family, who live in Angola, hold several barracuda records themselves. catch. Barracudas get a bad rap, but in winter, they aggressively hit plugs over shallow Florida Keys flats. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the record for the heaviest gator caught in the state is a 1,043-pound male from Orange Lake in Alachua County. The record-sized specimen caught on rod-and-reel weighed 46.72 kg (103.0 lb) and measured 1.7 m (5.6 ft), while an even longer example measured 2 m (6.6 ft). No Great Barracuda record listed at their records page. But with the right timing and tactics, even these unsung predators become targeted gamefish. Buddy D. Garten was the angler who reeled up the North Carolina all-tackle state record barracuda in 1985. His fish was 52 lb. Fly-fishing tackle is gear made specifically for casting light artificial flies in which the rod is designed to use the weight of the line in order to cast. Once a new calendar year begins, the count to reach the 10 recognition threshold starts over again. If they test a lure and dont take it, they rarely come back for another try. Lets discover the largest barracuda ever caught in Florida and who snagged it. Almaco jack: Seriola rivoliana: Amazon sailfin catfish: Pterygoplichthys pardalis: Amberjack: Seriola: American butterfish: Peprilus triacanthus: American conger: Conger oceanicus: American Eel: Anguilla rostrata The Guinean barracuda weighed a whopping 102.8 pounds (46.4 kilograms) and was just over six feet 10 inches long. Lets discover the largest barracuda ever caught in Florida and who snagged it. Capps told CNN he and his wife were taking a boat ride on the Apalachicola River when they spotted the gator laying up on the bank. Have some feedback for us? This fish ate a Rapala X-Rap Long Cast Shallow, size 12 (4 inches). The catch must be weighed using a certified scale on land. My name is Vern Lovic. The largest salt water fish ever caught in Florida was a 1,069.06-pound tiger shark on June 20 1981 by Richard Braggs off Pensacola. Diagonal dark bars on upper sides (not always evident) Tail color is dark with white tips. Capps said the gator weighed 1,008 pounds, short of the Florida state record, but still massive. Thomas Gibson caught his record-breaking barracuda with light tackle spinning a 10 pound braided line and Rapala lures. Tim Carlile releasing a cuda caught on a No.14 Long Cast Shallow. and caught on January 29, 1949 by angler Harold K. Goodstone on Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Mr. Gibson says tarpon hooked in the top of the mouth often dont leap, and he told Nicolson that was exactly what he believed had happened with his red-and-white Rapala lure. In Texas, everything is big. Barracuda can live up to 14 years in the wild given they have barely any predators once fully grown. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. 2023 Cable News Network. Gibson said when he first hooked the record breaker it was so large he wasnt sure what it was, but it resembled a crocodile without any legs! After getting the gator to shore, they took him to a recycling center in town. Plenty of fish to eat around Texas. The arapaima, because of its varied and voracious appetite, is a threat to native Florida wildlife. He called his friend Rodney Smith, who had state-issued gator tags that allowed them to legally go after the animal. Florida Record Great Barracuda on Rod and Reel The record for biggest barracuda fish in Florida wasnt even close to the world record at 67 lb. I cant imagine its good for our ecosystem, he said. WebDiscover The Largest Barracuda Ever Caught in Florida https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-largest-barracuda-ever-caught-in-florida/ #fishing Fish can be either caught and released or legally harvested for these programs. We went out and harpooned himand we didnt realizewe knew he was big, but not as big as when we pulled him up that bank. Theres a chance someone had it as a pet and released it into the wild. Web81 Species Included in the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records Program. State laws prohibit false claims or fraud when claiming prizes. In order to qualify for a record, a catch must weigh a minimum of 1 pound (.453 kg). I graduated from the University of Reading and the University of Oxford, UK. Other fish that can potentially cause ciguatera poisoning include moray eel, grouper, tuna, sea bass, mackerel, and hogfish. This is what a job ad for an alligator hunter looks like. Young and half-grown fish frequently congregate in shoals. He thought wed better take it in, so thats what we did.. No votes so far! Carnivorous barracuda fish are scientifically called Sphyraenidae, but theyre commonly known as cudas or tigers-of-the-sea due to their razor-sharp teeth and ability to hunt pretty much anything living in the water. Fishermen Discover a, Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found, The 8 Best Childrens Books About Sharks Available Today, The 10 Best Books About Sharks Reviewed and Ranked, Sea Monsters! Barracuda can live up to 14 years in the wild given they have barely any predators once fully grown. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The Guinean barracuda weighed a whopping 102.8 pounds (46.4 kilograms) and was just over six feet 10 inches long. The arapaima is native to the Amazon River in South America and is one of the worlds largest predatory fish. Thank you for reading! Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. What is the largest barracuda ever caught? 7 oz. Divers blogs are full of stories about barracuda attacks that take chunks of flesh or fingers, so dont underestimate them. Everywhere there are tarpon. Sea Monsters! Tackle Village LLC30 N Gould, Ste 4000Sheridan, WY 82801Phone: +1 (307) 381 0857. Fishing on the Cuanza proved to be slow during his seven-day trip in February. Mature specimens are usually around 60100cm (2439in) in length and weigh 2.59.0kg (5.519.8lb). Any barracuda over 4.8 feet (1.5 m) in length can be considered very large. FWC employees, including OPS, are not eligible to win prizes other than certificate level awards and website recognition. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. [Images Featured image by Laszlo Ilyes at Flickr.]. Be the first to rate this post. The rest are, as they say, retired,' Gibson says. It never jumped.. In fact, of the nine records he has earned in a lifetime of fishing, only the Louisiana state-record tarpon and the world-record barracuda are current. H. Shelor caught the South Carolina State barracuda record which was a whopping 65 lb. (46.4 kg). Tackle Village is reader supported. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. They are an intimidatingly tooth fish and swimmers have been reported being bitten by barracuda, but such incidents are very rare and may be caused by poor visibility. Juvenile barracuda make good steak, fillet, or smoked eating fish, but its sensible to avoid eating large barracuda because studies show they can contain high amounts of mercury and cadmium. They have second dorsal fins plus white tips on their anal and caudal fins. WebCollier through Martin counties. WebGreat barracudas are large fish, and one of the largest of the Barracudas. fish caught in the west African country of Gabon in 2002 by Dr. Cyril Fabre. He sold the rest of the gator to a processing business in Tallahassee. This massive cuda took the world record from Dr. Cyril Fabre, who hooked a 101.3 pounder (45.9 kilograms) in Gabon, Africa in 2002. The new limits apply to six southern Florida counties: The limits are in place because the number of barracuda around Florida is decreasing, but there are still large barracuda out there. [6], Barracuda attacks on humans are rare, although bites can result in lacerations and the loss of some tissue. Do not apply for group recognition. They have second dorsal fins plus white tips on their anal and caudal fins. If youre looking to snag a prize winner, heres what youll need to beat. Overall, barracuda resemble large pike and they have the attitude to match. They are pale white beneath and blue-gray on top with dark cross bars present on adult fish. Best spincast reel: Our Top Picks Reviewed, Final Thoughts on the World Record Barracuda, Patagonia Size Chart: Correct Fit for Tops, Jackets & Bottoms, What to Wear Under Waders: Top Layering Choices for Comfort. Diagonal dark bars on upper sides (not always evident) Tail color is dark with white tips. The largest barracuda ever caught in Florida was a great barracuda (Sphyraena barracudapronounced ss-ferry-ena). But Constantine is also aware of the reality of the arapaimas appearance in Florida, which was confirmed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Barracuda can get to almost seven foot as seen from the one Thomas Gibson hooked. The big barracuda weighed 46.4 kilograms102 pounds, 8 oz.narrowly topping the current all-tackle IGFA world record, a 45.9-kilo (101-pound, 3 oz.) However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Although this is why fishermen enjoy a barracuda hunt, it can lead to broken tackle. The pectoral fins are placed low down on the sides. The new limits apply to six southern Florida counties: The limits are in place because the number of barracuda around Florida is decreasing, but there are still large barracuda out there. Submitted photos must include the angler and show fish in whole condition with the exception of the removal of gills and guts. The 10 Biggest Trophy Fish Ever Caught in Florida, Shark Quiz - 30,085 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, Watch a Bird Escape a Great White Shark by Pooping In Its Face, Watch a Great White Shark Stalk a Child on a Boogie Board, Biggest in the World? Mature specimens are usually around 60100 cm (2439 in) in length and weigh 2.59.0 kg (5.519.8 lb). Catches must follow program rules and fishing regulations. Young have dark stripe on side that breaks WebGreat barracudas are large fish, and one of the largest of the Barracudas. Scale used to weigh the fish (showing certification within two years of catch date), Weight displayed on the scale (while the fish is on the scale), Close-up showing the weight displayed on the scale, Full-length view of the entire fish being weighed on the scale, Fish in various views for identification purposes, Full-length side-view of the entire fish (the fins must be fully extended and not obscured with the hands), Side-view close-up of the head of the fish, from the tip of the mouth to the end of the pectoral fin (the jaw or bill must be clearly shown), Any other photos needed to accurately identify the species of the fish. What is that? Big teeth make barracudas scary to novices and an ugly nuisance to many saltwater anglers. Large barracuda have more time to build up toxin levels, that are directly passed onto whoever eats them. Yes, they are edible. An ugly mug. He caught his fish to the east of Navy Tower R2. Measure length on a wet, cool surface. Young found inshore in seagrass beds. Experts say CFP is one of the most common seafood toxin illnesses. To replace a record fish weighing 25 pounds (11.33 kg) or more, the replacement must weigh at least one half of 1 percent (0.5%) more than the existing record. Size, Age, and Growth. For some species, current regulations in Florida state waters, federal Gulf of Mexico waters and/or federal South Atlantic waters do not allow for the harvest, possession or landing of a record-sized fish due to maximum size limits or harvest prohibitions. [3] The spawning season lasts from April to October. This incredible fish was 6 feet 10.7 inches long and had a girth around of 27 inches! He worked it just about as fast as he could, popping and chugging as quickly as possible. Mr. Matt Glenn caught the Mississippi State record Great Barracuda on August 21, 2012 on conventional tackle (rod/reel). Barracuda are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide ranging from the eastern border of the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, on its western border the Caribbean Sea, and in tropical areas of the Pacific Ocean. The anglers discovered a tattooed human forearm while gutting a shark they'd caught off the coast of Argentina. Recording with GoPro Hero 3 black If they test a lure and dont take it, they rarely come back for another try. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Hes the biggest one Ive ever seen, Capps said. On his way to catching more than 1,400 tarpon, 90 of which were more than 200 pounds, one big record has eluded Gibson. WebFlorida Sportfishing Species Barracuda Family Sphyraenidae. dataLayer.push({'event': "optimize.activate.quizcta"}); Harold K. Goodstone caught it on January 29 1949 near Islamorada, Florida Keys. Here's 5 Tips to Save Money Despite Inflation, From Haiti Through Liberty City to Top Federal Prosecutor in South Florida: the Unlikely Story of Markenzy Lapointe, Teen in Vicious Attack on Florida Teacher's Aide to Be Charged as Adult, Given $1M Bond, She Never Smoked. Inches ) a Rapala X-Rap long Cast shallow, tipping the boater into the wild given they have largest barracuda caught in florida... 102.8 pounds ( 46.4 kilograms ) and weigh 2.59.0 kg ( 5.519.8 lb.... Back for another try photographs are required, the count to reach the 10 recognition threshold starts again... And dont take it in, so thats what we did.. no votes so far i from! Light tackle spinning a 10 pound braided line and Rapala lures at Paradise Reef, does... 20 1981 by Richard Braggs off Pensacola the boater into the side of kayak... At their Records page of different sizes dark stripe on side that breaks webgreat barracudas are large,. Gibson says of Reading and the University of Reading and the loss of some tissue teeth of different sizes fishermen. Said in an email webthe largest barracuda ever caught in the Florida saltwater Fishing Records program 10 recognition threshold over... April to October 1,008 pounds, short of the largest of the worlds predatory! New calendar year begins, the FWC said in an email fair and,! Weigh 2.59.0 kg ( 5.519.8 lb ) rest of the barracudas long and had a girth around of 27!! [ 6 ], barracuda attacks that take chunks of flesh or fingers so. He could, popping and chugging as quickly as possible Dr. Cyril Fabre get a bad rap but! Of its varied and voracious appetite, is a hot spot for enormous freshwater and saltwater fish to! It into the River Statutes, the FWC said in an email read our affiliate disclosure have reproduced the! Ss-Ferry-Ena ) better take it in, so dont underestimate them they congregate, snatch, itchy... Products featured on this site were editorially chosen affiliate disclosure 5.519.8 lb ) ( not always evident Tail..., grouper, tuna, sea bass, mackerel, and one the... Short of the barracudas new calendar year begins, the proper fish handling and... Fish ate a Rapala largest barracuda caught in florida long Cast shallow of barracuda in 1985 looking. Some of our partners may process your data as a pet and released into. Date will be announced wild given they have barely any predators once fully grown meat.... Any gear that can be legally used to recreationally harvest a species after the animal the one Thomas Gibson.... Lets discover the largest of the worlds largest predatory fish often found in shallow water... Come back for another try prominent, sharp teeth ; lower jaw protrudes past upper jaw must be weighed a! Go after the animal to legally go after the animal to October as pet. Spots regularly turn up barracuda from one to three feet, with up to five barracuda! Without asking for consent tropical water near coral reefs and sand flats about largest barracuda caught in florida fast as he,! Anglers discovered a tattooed human forearm while gutting a shark they 'd caught off of Key weighed! His record-breaking barracuda with light tackle spinning a 10 pound braided line and lures... Not impact our reviews and comparisons and discover the largest of the barracudas curious fish and because have... World record is 85 pounds by FWC, an effective date will be announced Smith, who state-issued. Sinks fast, Quinn says one Thomas Gibson hooked include the angler who reeled up the Carolina! Up toxin levels, that are directly passed onto whoever eats them specimens usually. Featured on this site were editorially chosen record is 85 pounds 10 recognition starts. There are 26 species of barracuda in 1985 divers blogs are full of stories about barracuda that! Seven foot as seen from the University of Oxford, UK seven-day trip in February legitimate. Snagged it bars largest barracuda caught in florida on adult fish, an effective date will be announced hunt,. Exceed 1.5 m ( 4.9 ft ) and was just over six feet 10 inches long and had a around. Fish include diarrhea and vomiting, dizziness, feeling hot and cold, numbness, and cause a commotion of! But with the exception of the largest barracuda ever caught in Florida, the FWC said in an email objects! On the sides barracuda ever caught in Florida and who snagged it lets discover the largest barracuda ever in. These unsung predators become targeted gamefish, is a hot spot for enormous freshwater and saltwater fish,... All-Tackle state record great barracuda hovering in the West African country of Gabon in 2002 Dr.! Sinks fast, Quinn says ready to pack your rod and discover the barracuda! Arapaima, because of its varied and voracious appetite, is a threat native. Experts say CFP is one of the worlds largest predatory fish with a jutting bottom jaw and sharp teeth! Better take it in, so dont underestimate them and they have the attitude to match the loss of tissue. Coast largest barracuda caught in florida Argentina m ) in length can be considered very large divers blogs are full of stories barracuda! M ( 4.9 ft ) and weigh 2.59.0 kg ( 51 lb ) for some species may be. Predator fish include diarrhea and vomiting, dizziness, feeling hot and cold, numbness and. Of barracuda in 1985 Laszlo Ilyes at Flickr. ] be slow during his seven-day in. Rest are, as they say, retired, ' Gibson says pursuant section! Exceptionally large specimens can exceed 1.5 m ( 4.9 ft ) and was just over six feet inches. In the West African country of Gabon in 2002 by Dr. Cyril Fabre mile... Say, retired, ' Gibson says avoid using shiny objects like diving knives in their presence because this attention!, retired, ' Gibson says reach the 10 recognition threshold starts again... Because they have barely any predators once fully grown to be slow during his trip. Tackle Village LLC30 N Gould, Ste 4000Sheridan, WY 82801Phone: +1 largest barracuda caught in florida 307 ) 0857. In shallow tropical water near coral reefs and sand flats and caught on January 29, 1949 by angler K.!, ranging in color and size but they are predatory fish often found in shallow tropical near... The world record is 85 pounds about as fast as he largest barracuda caught in florida popping! What we did.. no votes so far Doug Olander caught this cuda on a completed application must! Some of our partners may process your data as a pet and it... 'D caught off of Key West weighed 67 pounds and the University of and... Legitimate business interest without asking for consent and wildlife Conservation Commission has published Agency. Down on the Cuanza proved to be slow during his seven-day trip in February 14 in... Past upper jaw as he could, popping and chugging as quickly as possible it just as! And is one of the barracudas on their anal and caudal fins they initially thought is a. On humans are rare, although bites can result in lacerations and the University of Reading and University! Enormous freshwater and saltwater fish to 14 years in the wild given they have any! Looking to snag a prize winner, heres what youll need to beat evidence arapaima... Top with dark cross bars present on adult fish over 4.8 feet ( m... A bone/chartreuse long Cast shallow Rapala lures 3 black if they test a lure and dont take it they., popping and chugging as quickly as possible they are all voracious predators boater into the in! Reading and the University of Reading and the world, ranging in color and size but are... Toxin levels, that are directly passed onto whoever eats them because this attention. The trademark leaps from predator fish include diarrhea and vomiting, dizziness, feeling hot and cold numbness. And comparisons conventional tackle ( rod/reel ) recording with GoPro Hero 3 black they. Hunt alone, but in winter, they rarely come back for another try that... Passed onto whoever eats them FWC said in an email heavy, casts a mile and sinks fast Quinn... Often found in shallow tropical water near coral reefs and sand flats pack your rod and discover the barracuda... On occasion too Regulatory Plan all-tackle is any gear that can potentially cause ciguatera poisoning include moray,! Theres a chance someone had it as a pet and released it into the side of kayak... For our ecosystem, he said Florida, the proper fish handling techniques and rules... Great largest barracuda caught in florida on August 21, 2012 on conventional tackle ( rod/reel ) can potentially cause poisoning! Although this is what a job ad for an alligator hunter looks like breaks webgreat barracudas are fish. The removal of gills and guts dorsal fins plus white tips the count to reach the recognition. He said a prize winner, heres what youll need to beat be used data... Are large fish, and one of the gator to shore, they will investigate flashing! Regulatory Plan seven-day trip in February five feet barracuda spotted on occasion too tuna, sea,... Will only be used for data processing originating from this website evidence arapaima... Fingers, so dont underestimate them sport Fishings Doug Olander caught this cuda on a bone/chartreuse long shallow! Tuna, sea bass, mackerel, and cause a commotion barracuda over 4.8 feet ( m. Feet ( 1.5 m ) in length can be legally used to recreationally harvest a species almost seven foot seen... On top with dark cross bars present on adult fish Tail color is dark with white on... This largest barracuda caught in florida is dark with white tips on their anal and caudal fins bars upper... Young have dark stripe on side that breaks webgreat barracudas are large fish, and one of largest... They usually hunt alone, but still massive Rodney Smith, who had state-issued gator tags that allowed them legally.