Best Catches of 2021

[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.

[BenCantrell]

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.

Anything John catches could eat anything I catch.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by BenCantrell

Anything John catches could eat anything I catch.

LOL... Sometimes true, but probably because Ben is frequently using a Sabiki.
Sabiki's are an awesome tool for expanding one's fish catch life-list.
Speaking of which last time out, I hit the wrecks looking for bait and took both a Yellowjack and a Rainbow Runner on the Sabiki. The Yellowjack was too big for bait, but the Rainbow Runner caught a Barracuda later that day. If those are still on your list? Take a trip South Ben.

[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.

[KamWalsh14]

I sure will, John! As for the cudas, I've caught and eaten great barracuda before in Belize and Bonaire and while they were delicious and the locals never said they had issues with them, the thought of potentially vomiting and even being paralyzed hours after my meal kind of ruined my appetite. I guess any kind of reef fish can have it, from what I've heard. I have heard of the bug trick; it would be interesting to study how consistently it works.