I have considered it essential to dedicate the first post of this blog towards the one of the more common predators that frequent our waters. Due to the fact that the Mediterranean Barracuda, Sphyraena Sphyraena, has certain characteristics, such as, the frequent encounters with it throughout the whole year, makes it a highly targeted predator by many sea spinning enthusiasts.
The Mediterranean barracuda is a highly gregarious fish, which can be found frequently moving around our waters in compact flocks. This makes them compete towards limited food resources, and thus may become very aggressive, to the advantage of the angler and his lures casted in our waters from shore. Besides, and although not so common, highly hungry solitary female specimens can also be encountered, which can be on the hunt as soon as they lay their first eggs. The female deposit their eggs at the end of spring, with the first signs of the increase in sea temperature. Here, and at this time of the year, one can easily encounter female specimens which may exceed the 4-5kg range.
Understanding the rules that 'trigger' the encounter with the Mediterranean Barracuda is an aspect of the saltwater spinning education that every one of us has certainly gone through. More often than not, the fish respects its 'appointment' with the angler. Certainly, most of us has started practicing sea spinning targeting the Mediterranean Barracuda, and have been doing so on a regular basis.
Let us get to some important tips that I would like to share with you with regards to targeting this fish. It is essential understanding the habitat of the predator. During the day, the fish will be stationed, more often than not, at medium depths, even reaching for more than 30 meters. Looking for rocky shores in open water areas, which result in increased depths within a small reach, may be an indication of the presence of the Mediterranean Barracuda. In open water areas, the predator likes agitated conditions....currents, and oxygenated waters, are perfect conditions for the predator to hunt.
The Mediterranean Barracuda has one particular advantage over other predators'....eyesight. It can count on its outstanding long range eyesight, that permits the species to target bait fish and food resources. With this in mind, the angler needs to understand the correct conditions, and locations where to target the predator. Certainly, conditions with poor visibility, during the change of light, and night hours, are some of the best conditions to get the predator to bite. Especially during the change of lights, and night hours, the predator will move in flocks towards the surface, hunting for food resources.
The angler must also understand the correlation that exists between the above mentioned, and the moon light. The moon, especially when growing, may play a very important role, as it helps with the vision of the fish. More often than not, and as long as the water is clear and calm, with the moon growing, there will be an increase in the hunting activity of the Mediterranean Barracuda during night hours.
Artificial lights in portal areas and breakwaters, especially in the areas between those illuminated and not, will certainly result in the encounter with the predator. The angler must not forget that the Mediterranean Barracuda is capable of seeing bait fish in complete darkness within large distances. Another important aspect worth mentioning are noises. The predator is extremely attracted to noises, especially those at the water surface. The use of surface lures is essential to attract the attention of the predator.
The angler shall be present on the spot at least one hour before sunrise or sunset, understanding that the encounter with the predator is more common during change of light hours. If you are familiar with the spot, you will understand what are the more important rules and conditions, that will result in a profitable session.
It is very important that the angler uses the correct tackle to target this predator. The angler must be equipped with the correct tackle in order to target and land the fish successfully. A spinning session, more often than not, consists of around 2 or more hours of casting lures in consequent mode. Having the use the palm and wrist of your hand, in order to work your lures in the water at your advantage, can result in a lot of fatigue and pain. Using an extremely light saltwater spinning rod, which is balanced, powerful and versatile at the same time, is highly recommended. Saltwater spinning rods manufacturers nowadays take this into consideration, producing spinning rods as light as 150 grams. The tip of the rod must be extremely thin and flexible, in order to enable the angler to 'feel' and work the lures successfully, and to cast long distances.
The reel must compliment the spinning rod, and creates balance in order for the angler to be able to take the best advantage from his tackle. Again, saltwater reel manufacturers nowadays are producing saltwater reels which are extremely light and durable.
PE (braided) line is also extremely recommended for targeting the Mediterranean Barracuda. There are several good brands around, now also producing 8-strand fibre PE lines which are extremely smooth on the rod guides and super strong. A good 17Lb 8-strand PE line is recommended.
The angler must take into account that, when the Mediterranean Barracuda strikes, it will give around 3 strong pulls. After these pulls, the angler would be able to retrieve the fish without many more resistance. As the hooked fish gets closer to shore, it will give one or two last pulls, trying to free himself from the hooks. At this moment, and during this last agitated attempt to loose free, you might have the fish looking for the deep, which may result in having your fishing line scratched against rocks. Thus, the use of 0.35+ fluorocarbon leader is recommended, as fluorocarbon is much more resistant to abrasion than PE line.
The nature of the Mediterranean Barracuda, as with other pelagic fish species, is to hunt for food resource, but also to attack other predators hunting in the same area. The angler must take this into consideration, and present the lure as if it is a predator hunting on the same food resources. This might instigate the barracuda to strike. The nature of the strike may consist of first 'tasting' the bait, and tearing a piece of the bait fish with its sharp teeth (striking the bait fish at its center) followed by a return to indulge the injured bait fish.
Long jerk minnows have been used successfully lately, with great results. Managing to deploy the lure in a state of irregular motion also instigates the Mediterranean Barracuda to attack. The Mediterranean Barracuda loves to hunt for bait fish which is swimming irregularly, meaning that the same bait fish is having difficulties in motor movements, and is an easy prey. Long jerk minnows are able to be jerked in order to produce an irregular movement in the water, imitating a bait fish in difficulty. Together with the proper inclusion of pauses and jerks, long jerk minnows are used successfully due to the slim and long design, which helps with the hooking of the predator as he strikes at the center of the bait.
.jpg)
With regards to the selection of colors, this is quite an intriguing issue that needs a lot of attention and study to master. Try to study the environment around you before selecting the color to use. Do not forget that the Mediterranean Barracuda has an excellent eye sight; this might turn as a disadvantage as, if not using the correct colors, the predator might understand that you are trying to cheat on him. Many are those who try to study the bait fish that is present around, and produce a color that imitates the color of the same bait fish. On the other hand, 'ghost' and natural colors, with flashing holographic material reflecting when worked properly, can be perfect all rounders for when the water is visibly clear.
On the other hand, experience has thought me to try and produce something for the predator that gains its full attention. Something 'unusual' that instigates curiosity might, more often than not, work. Artificial colors, if used in the appropriate conditions, are resulting to be very productive and attractive for the predator.
I would like to conclude this article by suggesting (and not imposing) to you to fish responsibly and respect the predator. Many consider the Mediterranean Barracuda to be a common fish, and an intruder to our seas from other tropical seas. I suggest to practice catch and release techniques when possible. The fact is that, with the climate changes that are occurring, we have seen the introduction of this species from tropical seas into the Mediterranean sea during the past 15-20 years. The predator has successfully integrated himself in the ecological system of our waters, with researchers suggesting that the effects of such an introduction had not developed any negative effects on other species, as many tend to believe. The fish must be respected at all costs. Unfortunately, I believe that we do not give enough respect to this fascinating predator......
Thank you.
After the success that the Italian manufacturer had with the Vendetta 173 long jerk minnow, Sstackle have just produced prototype 002, the SNIPER jig. An artificial of 7cm in length, the SNIPER is to be included in the Short Jig category, designed to target and catch Dolphin fish, Atlantic Bonito, Little Tunnies, Amberjacks, Blue fish and more.
STRENGTHS -
.jpg)
