Barracuda Guide

In this Blog i will guide you through everything you need to know
about catching Barracudas in Europe

We have the following chapters

Wehre do Yellowmouth Barracudas Live ?

The Yellow Mouth Barracuda primarily inhabits the entire Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Northern Atlantic, ranging from Portugal down to the Cape Verde Islands.

In many countries such as Croatia, Italy, France, the Adriatic Sea, Greece, Turkey, the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Spain, there are useful videos available on YouTube about Barracuda fishing.

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Which Spots are perfect for Barracudas

The Barracuda is commonly found in areas with depths ranging from 2 to 15 meters, although it can also be caught in deeper waters or offshore.

The best places to catch Barracuda are harbors, especially at night when there is more light. Any spots with increased illumination during the night are intriguing, as Barracuda can hunt small baitfish that often  attract also predatory fish like Bluefish.

Additionally, it’s essential to check areas with currents, deltas, bridges, or any other structures that promise a concentration of fish.

Rocks and cliffs are particularly ideal locations for catching Barracudas.

Additionally, keep in mind that you might need a gaff to land a bigger fish. At the bottom of the page, I’ve linked a gaff that works well even for big Barracudas. However, for Amberjacks, you may need something different.

Which Time is perfect for Barracudas

Barracuda can be caught at any time of the day, but the prime periods are one hour before and after sunset or sunrise.

Barracudas particularly thrive in rough seas, as it enhances the activity of all predator fishes.

The season also plays a crucial role. Generally, the optimal time for Barracuda fishing at most spots in Europe is from July to November, with a decline or decrease in the northern areas of the Mediterranean or the Eastern Atlantic from January to April. However, it’s essential to conduct your own research and check specific habitats, as conditions vary. In some places, Barracudas are present throughout the year, while in others, they may only be found during the summer and fall.

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What Rod and Reel Setup do we need for Barracudas

For Barracuda fishing, a reel in the size of 4000-6000 with a recommended speed of at least 90cm per turn is essential.  Shimano Saragossa/Spheros or Daiwa BG are always a good choice.

The rod for Barracuda, especially when fishing from the shore, should have a casting weight of approximately 60-120 grams and a length ranging from 2.7m to 3.3m. Longer rods facilitate reaching greater casting distances, a crucial factor for shore fishing. In rough conditions, a stronger rod is necessary, particularly if you need to lift a large Barracuda up to the rocks.

The main line should be around 0.20 or at least 10 KG.

For a leader, it’s recommended to use at least 0.6 monofilament. It’s important to check your leader after every fish for damage and re-knot it if needed.

 

7

Which are the best Lures for Barracudas ?

Hard baits are considered the best lures for Barracudas, especially when there is less sunlight. Jigs also work effectively, but they cannot be fished as slowly as hardbaits.

It is crucial to use heavy saltwater baits, as they offer the advantage of casting much farther compared to freshwater pike lures, for example.

The most effective lures from shore are heavy hardbaits like minnows or sinking stickbaits.

Hardbaits can be fished at a faster pace during the daytime and slowed down when there is less light.

These lures are not only attractive to Barracudas but also to other predators such as Bluefish, Bonito, Grouper, and even Amberjack. It’s difficult to go wrong with these baits.

If you prefer using jigs, I recommend long, slim jigs ranging from 40-100 grams. 

My favorite lures for this purpose are the Noeby Hardcore Minow and Slim Pencil, which I successfully used in Croatia.

8

What else do we need ?

It’s simple – you need to be at a place where you can catch Barracudas, and you need the right tackle.

As mentioned before, in many vacation destinations, it is possible to catch Barracudas. With a travel rod, a handful of baits, and a travel gaff, you can get the job done. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Shore fishing in the ocean is something magical. When I was 15 years old, I caught my first Barracuda from the rocks, and looking back, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. At first, you might think it’s a bad fishing day, then you believe you’ve caught a rock with your lure. Suddenly, the ‘rock’ starts to move, and that’s when I landed my first Barracuda, measuring over 1m.

My tackle during that time wasn’t perfect, but it worked. Some of the smaller parts that were useful included split rings, a gaff, a headlamp, and a split ring plier, listed below.

I hope I could help you. If you need more information or assistance in choosing the right tackle, feel free to text me on WhatsApp.

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