South African Fish And Fishing

 

The Fish Predator: Pickhandle Barracuda (Sphyraena jello)

Information And Pictures Of South Africa's Pickhandle Barracuda

The Pickhandle Barracuda is known all over the world as the Sea Pike and the Slender Barracuda. This South African fish is a deadly predator. Barracuda's are often portrayed as man eaters, this is hardly possible as they do not grow big enough and they will flee when disturbed. However if you know there are 'Sea Pike' in the area and you have an open wound, do not go swimming. If you do a shoal of these formidable predators will soon be around you. Otherwise they are fairly placid fish unless provoked or when they are distressed.

The Slender Barracuda can reach a length of over 170 centimeters and the South African angling record is 17 kilograms, quite a fish! They prefer coastal reefs and coastal inshore waters. The Pickhandle Barracuda is remarkably difficult to see in clear water. This is because of the colour of the fish which reflects against the water and the fact that it can stop and freeze. The Slender Barracuda feeds almost exclusively on fish although squid is also consumed. You can catch this fierce fish with lures and live baits. Shoals of more than 50 Pickhandle Barracuda have been recorded and when these predator fish are in schools, they are very close (Almost on top) to each other. Dorado often prey on juvenile Pickhandle Barracuda. The Slender Barracuda is a strong fighter and a good game fish although it is not commercially exploited in South African waters. Below are some photo's of this magnificent fish with 3 names; Pickhandle and Slender Barracuda and the Sea Pike...

Pickhandle Barracuda Picture South African Pickhandle Barracuda Caught With Lure Pickhandle Barracuda Caught Near South African Beach My First South African Pickhandle Barracuda Fish

How To Catch The South African Pickhandle Barracuda

The Pickhandle (Slender) Barracuda or Sea Pike is an amazing fish and it can be caught using so many different methods. This is one of my favourite saltwater fish species and as an angler I feel amazing every time I land a Barracuda. The best best place to catch the Sea Pike is offshore from a boat but occasionally large specimens may be landed from the beach and in estuaries (Where the juvenile Pickhandle Barracuda live). I will list all the fishing methods in which you can catch the Pickhandle Barracuda, from best to worst:

  • Vertical Jigging
  • Trolling (Live bait, artificial lures)
  • Live bait fishing
  • Using Spoons, poppers and spinners
  • Dropshot
  • Fly Fishing
  


Web Site

site map copyright Gareth Roocroft (The Wildlife Webber) © 2002 - 2008. | contact me |

Please Always Do Your Best To Help Conservation In The Natural World... The Wilderness Is Running Out; Fast...