Like many saltwater flats destinations in the world, barracuda are present year-round on the flats of Belize. A barracuda or commonly called “the wolf of the flats” they are a large, predatory ray-finned fish known for its fearsome appearance and aggressive behavior. Barracuda range in size from a couple pounds to 80 pounds and 6 feet in length. The larger ones are considered “Great Barracuda” and are more commonly encountered when diving or fishing at deeper depths. However, barracuda in the 20-40 pound class are common in the flats of Belize and can be effectively targeted with a fly rod.
A barracuda can be a temperamental eater and will not always eat a well-presented fly. So here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when fly fishing for barracuda in Belize.
Be stealthy: once a barracuda knows you are there the fish will sit there and act like it doesn’t see you. But really the fish see’s you and is aware that you are fishing for it. So think of this as you typically are only going to get one really good shot and make the best of it.
Be prepared at all times: Typically your not going to see a larger good sized barracuda each day flats fishing Belize, unless the guide knows of a resident fish and you ask to target it. So as you spend your day flats fishing, rig up a rod for fly fishing barracuda. Have it ready in the boat at all times. Some fishing pairs will always have one angler ready with the cuda or shark rod to maximize time on the flats boat with the guide.
Cast past the fish: Since cuda seem to be smarter than they look and eat, be smart about fly placement. Cast 10-15 past the fish or ahead of the fish. Just be sure to throw the line overtop the fish. The fly does not need to be right on top of the cuda like when your permit fishing.
Proper retrieve: You cannot move the fly fast enough. Once the fly hits the water, begin stripping that fly to get it moving and when the cuda shows interest try to strip it even faster.
Proper Gear:
9-12 Weight Rod
Tropical Line with Clear Tip
Toothy Critter Wire Leaders work great or build your own. Tie a 12-foot butt section of 60# fluorocarbon to the line and then attach three feet of 16# or 20# hard monofilament with an improved blood knot, add a foot of wire bite tippet.
Specific Baracuda Flies work best like the Umpqua Barracuda Fly. You can also use tarpon flies like the black death and cockroach. But the double hook on the specific cuda flies works very well.
If all else fails, spin to win. Spin fishing for barracuda can be much simpler than fly fishing. So if for some reason you don’t have another fly rod for a cuda setup. Ask the guide to bring a spin rod and have it rigged up with a tube.
In Belize, we eat a lot of the barracuda we catch. It is safe to eat barracuda in these waters. They taste very good with a white flakey texture similar to that of mahi mahi. Light fry or on the grill with Marie Sharps is the ticket.
