BARRACUDA

What a Catch!

These are called Greater Barracuda

Trolling Rapallas for Wahoo late in the day often get bites from Greater Barracuda near specific rocks, not just anywhere.

Barracuda have their favorite hangouts and just like most all the fish around here, Your captain know where they are.

You can drop hooked bonito chunks over their hangouts to catch them. Several big ones will follow the bait to  the surface as you reel it in.

You would not want to eat one of these, unless deep fried with ketchup and unknowning what is.  I have not heard any ciguatera around here but as bad as victims say it is, Barracuda never be trusted

Greater Barracuda in Panama: Toothy Torpedoes of the Tropics

Greater Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), with their dagger teeth and sleek bars, are lightning-fast predators that can reach 6 feet and 100 lbs. Native to Panama’s Pacific, they’re bold ambush artists around Isla Coiba—thrilling to hook, but high ciguatera risk means release big ones!

Migration, Territory, and Habits

• Pelagic Migration: Short seasonal shifts (10-100 miles) following bait; inshore in rainy season (May-November), offshore in dry (December-April).
• Territory: Big adults defend 100-500 yard reef zones aggressively; juveniles school for safety.
• Breeding: Year-round peaks April-October in 30-100 foot depths; eggs drift to mangroves.
• Water Temp and Depths: Best 72-86°F (optimal 75-82°F); from surface to 300 feet, often 10-100 feet.

Key Differences from Pacific Barracuda

• Larger (6 feet, 100 lbs) and more robust vs. 4 feet, 25 lbs slim build; territorial reef-dwellers vs. schooling bay fish; higher toxin risk.

Fishing Tips for Panama Anglers

• Techniques: Troll lures or live bait at 5-7 knots—they strike at 35 mph bursts, fights lasting 5-15 minutes with wire leaders a must.
• Hotspots: Coiba reefs or Hannibal edges in 50-150 feet; light tackle for fun.
• Why Chase Them?: Adrenaline rushes, but skip eating large ones due to ciguatera—small ones grill up firm and tasty if safe. Practice catch-and-release.

Greater Barracuda add edge to Panama’s waters—book a charter and dodge those teeth! Contact marlinpanama.com for guided trips.

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Panama’s Pacific: What Anglers Need to Know

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a toxin-based illness from eating certain reef fish—it’s present in Panama’s Pacific waters but at a moderate-to-low risk level compared to other tropics. Around Isla Coiba and the Gulf of Panama, incidence is low (0.5-2% of tested fish, with 5-20 local cases yearly), mainly affecting coastal eaters of large reef predators.

Common Risky Species: Barracuda, grouper, snapper, and eels—avoid big ones (>10 lbs). Safer bets: Pelagic fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, or wahoo.

Symptoms: Nausea, tingling, hot-cold reversal—starts hours after eating, lasts days/weeks. Not usually fatal, but seek medical help.

Prevention Tips:

• Eat small or open-water fish.
• Check local advisories from Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA).
• For charters, we prioritize safe species and can guide on prep.

Panama’s Pacific is safer than many spots, but smart choices keep your trip epic and illness-free. Questions? Contact marlinpanama.com—we’re here for safe, thrilling fishing!