Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Great Barracuda has a slender body.

The mouth is large, containing many large sharp teeth and a projecting lower jaw.

Body coloration is silver with a greenish back and a white belly.

The upper side may have 18 to 23 dark bars .

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Rare - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Great Barracuda commonly occur over nearshore artificial reefs. They may also reside in the open ocean, living predominantly at or near the surface. An opportunistic predator, they feed throughout the water column on fishes.
Did You Know?	Great Barracuda have a large gape and very sharp teeth, enabling them to feed on large fishes by chopping them in half earning them the nickname "Tigers of the Sea".
Common Lures and Baits	Their sharp teeth often bite through fishing line so wire leaders are recommended. Great Barracuda readily bite lures, usually if they are fished quickly and erratically or even trolled. They will also take live bait, such as spot, fished over artificial reefs.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Great Barracuda caught by anglers weigh between 8 and 30 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Great Barracuda are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award, but a large specimen may qualify for an “Unusual Species” award.
Delaware State Record	Great Barracuda are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government