Best Catches of 2021

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by KamWalsh14

That's some incredible fishing! Makes me jealous that great fish like Barracuda and False Albacore are considered consolation fishes over there! The cudas there definitely beat the ones we have here. I have to do some kayak fishing down there one of these days.

Thanks, Kam, Cudas, and False Albacore are definitely two of the most undervalued fish off SE Florida. The Cuda's big teeth and generally bigger stockier size does make them more impressive than their Pacific cousins. Due to the fact that they often eat coral-dwelling fish, They do carry a risk of ciguatera. One test is to put a piece out for the ants, and if they eat it, it's safe to eat. I generally don't harvest them as there are many better-eating fishes to take instead. Barracuda ciguatera incidents are rare in Florida. If you ever make it down to SE Florida, Pm me.