All species
inshore
Great Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
A toothy, lightning-fast ambush predator that smashes baits and tailwalks. Common on the flats and reefs; a blast on light tackle though rarely eaten (ciguatera risk).
Where to find them
Flats, reefs, wrecks, and channels; hover motionless then strike with explosive speed.
Regulations by Region
Atlantic Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 15"-36" slot (SE Florida region), one over 36" allowed
- Bag limit
- 2 per person per day (SE region)
- Season
- Open year-round
Special regional slot/bag in SE Florida and the Keys; large fish carry ciguatera risk.
Gulf Coast
Season open- Size limit
- No statewide size limit (regional rules vary)
- Bag limit
- No statewide bag outside SE region
- Season
- Open year-round
Regulated only in the SE Florida/Keys region.
Top Baits
tube lureslive pilchardslarge plugsfast-retrieved jigs