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Barracuda |
Common : Great Barracuda. |
Family : Sphyraena barracuda |
Species: |
Chinese: Soh Kun |
Malay: Abang Kuda |
Species: |
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Size: |
Max weight
40kg caught in
Malaysian water however 5- 15 kg are common range |
Bait: |
Live Prawn, Squid, Tamban and
Fishing Lures. |
Method: |
Bottom, Drifting Live Bait
even trolling. |
Habitat: |
Medium Depth Waters, Clift, Corals, Kelong |
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About the fish:
Long cylindrical
body will long pointed snout and a mouth full of canine teeth. First
dorsal fin has 5 spines and the second 10 soft rays. Irregular dark
blotches are common on the lower flanks. Colouration varies from grayish
to greenish brown on the back to silvery flanks and belly.
Two distinct types are found in Malaysian waters; one a yellow tipped
tail, the other a black tipped tail.
Not usually fished for
eating purposes. The flesh from large ones tend to be slightly
tasteless. In australia, they are avoided because it is believed that it
may harbor a nerve toxin. It is adviseable to practice catch and release
for the future of sport fishing.
Form schools when young, becoming solitary when mature. Will attack
anything that moves when in a feeding frenzy.
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When to fish for them:
They have been
encountered just about any time. But I would say the best time is still
the early morning when the sun is still on the horizon.
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Where to fish for them:
You will find a lot
of these toothy predators in lagoons and shallow sandy areas. Juveniles
also school together to hunt and protect against other predators. It can
be a eerie site seeing hundreds of barracudas spiraling in the open ocean
above a coral reef.
The larger specimens are usually loners that cruise the reefs like a
lion surveying its territories.
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Fighting tactics:
When hooked, a barracuda
reacts as though it is trying to break the Olympic high jump record.
Always taking to the air with breathtaking heights. It accompanies this
strategy together with fast surface runs. Then when it tires, it will
come to shore in between short burst. Wire leader is necessary when
targeting Barracuda. Use medium if possible light tackle to enjoy the
Tug of Wall fight with the fish.
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