BARRACUDA FISHING HOLIDAYS
Sport Fishing
for the
GUINEAN BARRACUDA
Saltwater Fish Species of The Gambia



Identification
Barracuda Types: Guinean Barracuda
Scientific Names: Sphyraena afra
General Catch Size: 5lb to 100lb
African Angler Record : 75lbs  
 

Gladiators of the Barracuda world !

This fish occurs in tropical waters of the eastern Atlantic from Mauritania to Namibia.  It is found along the continental shelf and commonly enters lagoons and river estuaries.

Distinct Markings: The sides of the Guinean Barracuda are marked with approximately 20 dark, largely open chevrons that angle forward and remain distinctive in the larger species. 

There are no white tips on the fins or black blotches on the body.  The bony edge of the opercle ends in 2 points, the dorsal fin origin is distinctly behind the level of the pelvic fin origins.  Strong pointed teeth are contiguous, flattened, those of the lower jaw erect and never slanting backward.

Size: The Guinean Barracuda reportedly grows to 6.7ft and attains a weight of 110.2lb/50kg - (the All-Tackle world record stands at 101lb 3oz in Gabon).  This species is considered to be a good food fish and has never been reported to be ciguatoxic.

FISHING FOR THE GUINEAN BARRACUDA

Best Baits: Mann's Magnum 30, 30+, 40, 50 Stretch series Fishing Lures

Top Tips: These giant Guinean Barracuda are exclusive to the West Coast of Africa.  Here in The Gambia they are predominantly fished using diving fishing lures trolled through the deep channels in the mouth of the River Gambia.

Deep-water lures running in 30ft to 50ft of water consistently produce strikes from these feisty predators.  Deep-diving lures trolled at 4 to 6 knots apply an immense amount of pressure on your fishing tackle so considerations must be observed outside of using a conventional barracuda fishing outfit.

For lures which are designed for depths of up to 30ft a 30lb class rod with 50lb to 60lb braided line loaded onto a quality multiplyer reel with a smooth drag and fast retrieve ratio, is necessary.  Braided line works the lures harder than conventional mono-line because it has no stretch or elasticity, a low diameter with high breaking strain.

For larger lures running in 40ft to 50ft of water I would suggest a 50lb class rod with 100lb braided line also loaded onto a quality multiplier. 

Large fish often twist and roll during a fight and can rap the main line around themselves therefore use up-to 2mtrs of 100lb wire trace from your lure to your main line.

When: All year-round (the larger fish - 40lb-80lb - of this species are caught Oct/Nov/Dec)

Recommended TACKLE for catching Barracuda

Rod: 30lb - 50lb Boat Rod
Reel: Quality multiplier or big fixed spool
Main Line: 50lb-100lb braided line
Swivel: 100lb
Hooks: triple strength 5/0 trebles
Lures: 30ft to 50ft diving lures (Mann's)

 

    75lb Guinean Barracuda
    'African Angler' Best

African Pompano
Barracuda
Guinean Barracuda
Butterfish
Captain Fish (Threadfin Salmon)
Cassava
Jacks  
Ladyfish
Nine-Bone
Shark
Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Rays
Tarpon

Mark Longster

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