Barracuda are biting from Santa Monica to San Diego so things are looking up for the start of surface game fish action. Here's a few tips for catching barracuda while deep sea fishing from a Southern California sportfishing boat:

Fishing the Iron for Barracuda

- The most fun way is to throw the irons. Use a surface iron cast out and wind the jig in slow enough to give it a good kicking action. Blue and white colors are the most popular color but any jugs with contrasting colors will work. I use Tady 45 in just about any combination of Blue/White, Mackerel/Chrome or White/Chrome works. A wide open Barracuda bite, these fish will strike just about any shiny iron thrown at them. When a strike occurs DO NOT swing to set the hook, just keep reeling steady and faster as Barracuda strike iron from the side.

Live bait fishing for Barracuda

- Some people like to use wire leader with a 2/0 to 3/0 hook and a sardine but I like to use 25lb or 30lb test fluorocarbon leader this gives the bait a chance to swim more freely and the strength of the fluorocarbon leader will resist the bite from the barracudas sharp teeth. But be sure to check the line for any teeth nicks after each fish and retie the hook if any are found. If you don't have wire or fluorocarbon you can go to a long shank hook or even a circle hook. Once the barracuda bites your offering don't pull on the rod to set the hook. Just point the rod at the fish and start cranking on the reel all the way to the boat. Just as you see the fish close to the boat call for a gaff. Never lift the barracuda out of the water keep it just below the surface. If the barracuda gets above the water surface it will go wild and you'll probably loose the fish.

Rod/Reel Suggestions

- Any 7 - 9ft 20lb to 25lb class rod will work. I use a 8 foot Cal Star Graphighter 800M (Medium) rod with 20 - 30 lb. test line (heavier line when working close to Kelp.  - May 21, 2011 by Rob