Barracouta local fish species facts and Limits. Barracouta is found in the southern waters of Australia including Victoria, Tasmania, Adelaide, Western Australia and NSW. They prefer cold climate conditions. They are considered a pest species in some areas where they are often caught as bycatch in plague proportions. They’re not regarded as a table fish due to a parasite commonly found in their flesh. They are easily identified in the water due to their long dorsal fins, sharp teeth and long silver elongated body. They can grow up to 5 kilos but most often caught between 1 and 2 kilo mark.
Size & Limits
No minimum legal size, but a daily limit of 20
Scientific name
Thyrsites atun
Bait recommendations for Barracouta
Barracouta will happily take a range of fresh baits including pilchard, squid and garfish.
Lure Recommendations for Barracouta
Barracouta will happily take a range of metal spoons and soft plastics such as minnow imitations, curl tails and paddle tails. These can be retrieved quickly or trolled from the back of a boat. Their sharp teeth make them a challenge to catch and they will often bust you off or shred your leader. In some cases, wire trace is required if you’re specifically targeting them.
General tips for Barracouta
Barracouta must be handled with the utmost care. Their teeth a razor sharp and can inflict damage if not handled with caution.
Rod/Rig setup
Medium strength spinning gear or if bait fishing a medium rod with a paternoster rig
Great locations to target them
Barracouta can be found scattered throughout the Bass straight, Port Phillip Bay and Western Port
Best times
You can target barracouta all year round
Recreational fishing guide
You can obtain a free Victorian recreational fishing guide from the Victorian Fisheries Authorities web link
Additions or Corrections for this fish species
If you feel this fish species guide is missing key information or needs any corrections. Then please let us know by emailing our team at enquiries@fishingmad.com.au with specific details in the email. Thank you