Great Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
How to tell it
Underslung jaw of visible teeth, scattered ink-black blotches on silver.
Often mistaken for
One fish that gets called great barracuda, and what gives it away.
- King mackerel: No blotches, dipping lateral line. Tell them apart
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (Atlantic) | 15–36 in fork length slot (1 over 36 in per day) | 2 per person; 6 per vessel | Open year-roundFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-60.003, 68B-60.004 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Gulf) | 15–36 in fork length slot (1 over 36 in per day) | 2 per person; 6 per vessel | Open year-roundFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-60.003, 68B-60.004 · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 52 lb 4 oz | 2005 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Florida | 67 lb | 1949 · Islamorada | FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Georgia | 54 lb 8 oz | 1999 | GA DNR CRD Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Louisiana | 50 lb | 1970 | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Maryland | 13 lb | 2023 · Washington Canyon | MD DNR Sport Fish State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Mississippi | 52 lb 6 oz | 2012 | MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| North Carolina | 67 lb 7 oz | 1985 · Cape Lookout | NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22 |
| South Carolina | 65 lb | 1948 · Georgetown | SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 52.81 lb | 1993 · Gulf of America | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Virginia | 45 lb 8 oz | 1996 · CB Buoy Line | VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04 |
On the table
Small ones are eaten, but barracuda is a leading ciguatera carrier — most release them.
In the app
Point the camera at a great barracuda and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about great barracuda
What is the size limit for great barracuda?
It depends on the state. Florida (Atlantic): 15–36 in fork length slot (1 over 36 in per day); Florida (Gulf): 15–36 in fork length slot (1 over 36 in per day).
How many great barracuda can you keep?
Florida (Atlantic): 2 per person; 6 per vessel; Florida (Gulf): 2 per person; 6 per vessel.
How do you tell great barracuda from king mackerel?
Great Barracuda: Underslung jaw of visible teeth, scattered ink-black blotches on silver. King mackerel: no blotches, dipping lateral line.
What is the record great barracuda?
67 lb 7 oz in North Carolina (1985), Cape Lookout. Other states’ records are in the table.