San Juan 6-Hour Inshore Adventure with SuFishNSea

Barracuda

## Barracuda Fish Species (Sphyraena barracuda) Barracuda is a large carnivorous saltwater fish. They have an extended, slender body that is thicker in the middle and pointed at the ends. Their head is fairly flat at the top and pointed in front, and their lower jaw projects in a sinister way. Their dorsal fins are widely separated, and the pectoral fins are low on their body. The Barracuda name does not apply to a specific fish, but to an entire family. The Sphyraenidae is a species of fish collectively known as Barracuda. ## Barracuda Size There are more than 25 species of barracuda worldwide, and they can be as long as 6 feet. For example, the Northern Barracuda (Sphyraena Borealis), can grow up to about 18 inches in length. Generally, the female grows to be bigger than the male. The fish maximum age is unknown, but the typical lifespan often exceeds 14 years. The male generally reaches sexual maturity at two years while the female at four years. ## Interesting Barracuda Facts - Barracudas hunt more by sight rather than smell; they are attracted to shiny items, like the silvery fish they feed on. Humans who enter the water with shiny items like jewelry and watches may cause a prying barracuda to probe and mistake these things for a food source. So divers entering the water where the barracuda are present should remove any glittering objects as a safety measure. - Barracuda's body is torpedo-shaped and is made to cut water. These slim, long, and muscular fish are among the fastest creature in the sea. They are capable of swimming up to 35 mph. Barracuda swims almost as fast as the mako shark, which is very fast. They can't maintain the highest speed for long-distance, and most of their swimming time is slow enough to conduct food surveys, they only speed up when prey is within reach. - They have large mouths with long jaws. They also have a lot of teeth. In fact, Barracuda has two rows of teeth: the rows of long teeth and daggers to strongly capture their prey, and the utmost rows of small but sharp teeth to tear meat. Some barracuda teeth point backward, as an additional aid to secure the Squirming fish. ## Barracuda Habitat Most barracudas live in near-shore habitats, such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. They are mainly saltwater fish, although some species can at times tolerate brackish water. Barracuda lives in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean, also they are commonly found in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. ## Barracuda Distribution Sphyraena is common in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts in the USA to Brazil. They are also found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, including the Pacific Indian Ocean, the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, and the Red Sea. ## Barracuda Fishing They are among the most exciting and aggressive fish to catch with light tackle spinning rods. They can be found in shallow water bodies stalking small baitfish. We recommend using light tackle spinning gear with a 10lb test line and artificial lures. There is a lot of casting in this kind of angling. On a normal day, you can catch dozens of barracudas using this technique.

Crevalle Jack

## Crevalle Jack Fish Description The Crevalle Jack (Caranx Hippos) is a large fish that is part of the Jack family. The colorations can vary from brassy green to blue on the back, golden scales on the sides, and a white belly and bright yellow/gold on the tail and fins. It is an extremely popular game fish for anglers as well as important for the commercial fishing industry. ## Fish Habitat and Distribution The Jack Crevalle inhabits both inshore and offshore water.  In the shallow water, they prefer seagrass beds, flats, sand-bottomed bays, or shallow-water reef. The larger adults prefer deeper water compared to the juveniles. They can also inhabit brackish waters and freshwater tributaries, although these are rare occurrences. While they do not often leave the continental shelf, they will inhabit waters as deep as 1100 feet. They also inhabit man-made structures like oil rigs as well as floating vegetation mats. They use these structures to hunt prey. Crevalle Jack are found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Florida (especially the Keys), Gulf of Mexico, and Texas are hotbeds for these fish. The broader range includes the eastern coastal waters of the U.S. and the eastern South American coast as far south as Argentina, not to forget the Caribbean Sea and the eastern coast of Central America. ## Crevalle Jack Size The Crevalle Jack can reach up to 4 feet and 60 pounds, but the average size range for this Jack species is 12-24 inches in length and 3-5 pounds in weight with females being larger than males. The current world record was caught off the coast of Angola in Africa and weighed in at 66 pounds. ## Crevalle Jack Fun Facts The Crevalle Jack is a powerful fish and should be handled with care. They reach maturity at 5 to 6 years of age and can live up to 17 years or more. Anglers chasing Jack Crevalle sometimes report the smell of something similar to watermelon when approaching schools when they are feeding. The dorsal fin is split into two, the first consisting of eight spines and the second consisting of one spine following 19 to 21 soft rays. While most fish species are cautious around divers, schools of the friendly Crevalle Jack will actually approach and swirl around divers, possibly due to the bubbles given off by divers, or simply out of curiosity. ## Fishing Methods and Lures One of the biggest indicators to the angler when looking for these fish is to watch for schools of birds. The Crevalle Jack schools push baitfish to the surface and the birds attack from above. Unlike other schooling fish that jump you will rarely see this fish jump while on the surface. Some great lure choices consist of silver spoons, hard and soft plastic baits that imitate their prey of mullet, sardines, and herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits are great options as well as live bait (mullet, herring, or sardines) . For fly fishermen, streamer flies and topwater popper flies are popular. Use flies larger than an inch to really help them stand out, along with baitfish patterns. They are the bullies of the ocean and enjoy the chase. The fast and continuous movement of the bait will attract them. Cast the bait over and away from the school, and then retrieve it rapidly. If you are fishing in deeper water, quick and aggressive jigs will be effective. If they are closer to the surface, sight casting with topwater plugs is the way to go.

Ladyfish

Ladyfish (Elops saurus) Fish Description

Also known as poor man’s tarpon, tenpounder, river fish, fiddler, silverfish, and john, the Ladyfish has a long, slender, rounded pike-like body covered with fine silvery scales. The juvenile Ladyfish appears eel-like and transparent. The Ladyfish belongs to the Elopidae family along with its cousins, the tarpon, bonefish, and skipjack.

The tail of the Ladyfish is extremely forked, while its mouth is terminal. The Ladyship is a predatory species of fish; it has a bony throat plate between its mandibles and small, sharp teeth. Though generally silvery, the Ladyfish has a bluish or greenish hue on its upper body. It has no dorsal spines, only dorsal soft rays numbering 25 to 29. It also has no anal spines but has 16 - 19 anal soft rays. Its dorsal and caudal fins are silvery or dusky yellowish; its pelvic and pectoral fins are pale and speckled. The Ladyfish have small scales, with more than 100 on the lateral line.

Ladyfish Diet and Size

The Ladyfish larvae simply absorb nutrients directly from the water. Later on, they switch to insects, small fishes, and primarily on zooplankton. As young Ladyfish, they feast on crustaceans. The adult Ladyfish are strictly carnivorous and prefer small bony fishes (including their relative's menhaden and silversides) and crustaceans.

The Ladyfish can measure up to 35 inches and weigh up to 30 pounds.

Interesting Facts About the Ladyfish 

• The Ladyfish can tolerate a wide range and levels of salinity. 
• It is a thermophilic (it cannot tolerate low temperatures for too long) fish; because of this, some Ladyfish numbers have been reported to have died from the cold in Florida.
• Taxonomist Carl Linnaeus himself named and classified the Ladyfish in 1766.
• They are considered by many, even anglers, as “trash fish.”
• When using cut bait to catch snook, most anglers probably prefer mullet and Ladyfish.

Ladyfish — Fishing Techniques

According to the IUCN, the Ladyfish’s status is (of) Least Concern. This fish population is plentiful. The Ladyfish is marketed as fresh but is still considered only a second-rate fish. 

The Ladyfish, when hooked, is considered a good sport for light-tackle anglers. However, the Ladyfish may be annoying since they jump and skip along the water's surface after being hooked. They tend to be aggressive and usually bite the line.

Anglers can catch Ladyfish off piers, in canals, bays, and along beaches. They are inshore species that can be found in estuaries, coastal lagoons, hypersaline bays, along shorelines, and even up coastal streams. Anglers fly fishing for Ladyfish can catch them without the use of a boat. They can be caught all year round at any kind of tide and time of day. Anglers can use bait such as hair jigs, live shrimp, bubble rigs, flies, crabs, squid, and jerk baits to lure a school of Ladyfish. Since the Ladyfish usually thrash around trying to free themselves, anglers must use a heavy mono leader. Experts suggest using the fluorocarbon line as the leader; a spinning reel or spinning rod will also do. Anglers need to take caution since the Ladyfish have sharp, albeit small, teeth.

Ladyfish Habitat and Distribution

The Ladyfish is a pelagic species of fish; that live in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. They like brackish, reef-abundant areas as well as mangroves. They spawn in the open sea. The juvenile fish like low-salinity estuaries or hypersaline lagoons.  Once these smaller fish mature, they move to offshore marine habitats. They live in areas as deep as 160 feet several miles offshore.

The Ladyfish can be found in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the western North Atlantic Ocean from New England to Florida. It shares a common habitat with its cousin, the malacho (Elops smithi), in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern US waters. They also thrive in Bermuda, the Western Atlantic, and the south of Brazil. Some records show that they are also found in Asian countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.

Snook

## Common Snook (Centropomus Undecimalis) The Common Snook is one of the largest in the snook species family. The Centropomus Undecimalis has a sleek and slender body with a very visible and pronounced dark lateral line. The common snook has a sloped forehead which features a lower protruding jaw and a large mouth along with very high and divided dorsal fins. The Common snook is also golden yellow in color with a pale yellow fin. They are also referred to as Snook, Sergeant Fish, and Thin Snook. ## Common Snook Size Common snook can grow to a maximum length of 4 1/2 feet but the common size is only around 1 ½ feet. Sizes of the Common Snook can vary depending on the location of the fish. Snook in Central America generally tends to grow bigger than snook found on the Northern Atlantic coast. The world record was caught in Costa Rica and weighed in at 59 lbs 8 oz. and 47.6 inches in length. ## Distribution and Habitat  ## Common Snook Fun Facts Common Snook changes from male to female after maturation. Most large snook are female because the larger ones are more apt to change to female. Common Snook have very wide tails and are capable of short but incredibly fast bursts of speed to ambush or attack prey. Snook spawning season occurs with the new and full moon cycles from May to September. The fish gather in networks of high current areas that will take the eggs seaward. The males bump the females causing them to release the eggs, which are then fertilized. When the eggs hatch, the juvenile common snook return inshore, finding their way to the small streams where they can better avoid their many predators. During the spawning season, the snook's fins turn a bright yellow. Common snook are carnivores that eat fish, crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans that live in both fresh water and salt water. ## Common Snook Habitat The Common Snook is an estuarine dependent species, found in both fresh and saltwater. Adult Common Snook are normally found in lagoons and estuaries along with shallow, coastal waters of around 60 feet in depth. At times they will even enter fresh water creeks and inlets in the areas. These estuaries, lagoons and mangroves, and other shallow water areas are sanctuaries for the juvenile snook to grow to adult sizes and have cover from predators. They are also capable of surviving in a wide range of salinities from higher to lower concentrations, using a process known as osmoregulation. The snook family has 12 other closely related species, throughout the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Snook family is very temperature sensitive and sudden drops to unusually cold temperatures in their habitat can produce a winter kill, in which large numbers of snook population die-off. However, adult common snook can withstand the cooler water temperature better than the larvae or young juvenile snook. ## Snook Fishing Snook are a very popular game fish for the angler. Fishing for the common snook is actually fairly similar to fishing for largemouth bass, with some of the top snook lures originating in the bass-fishing world. Snook are very cover-oriented and can be found around areas with brush and mangroves In the estuaries, lagoons and creeks and other waters that they call home. Snook are also a very popular species for fly fishing, and fly fishermen can fish for them in a variety of ways including sight fishing. ## Snook Fishing Lures Many lures that are used for bass fishing can be used in snook fishing. Soft plastic swimbaits and jerk bait style minnows work great. Jigging shrimp imitations, as well as topwaters and crankbaits, can all work very effectively while fishing for snook. Flies like the imitator or the Dahlberg diver are excellent choices for fly fishermen. ## Distribution and Range Common Snook can be found throughout the warm waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Reaching as far north as North Carolina and south down to Brazil, including the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and Central America. The coloration of these fish may vary slightly from location to location mostly due to water color and habitat, along with variations in size.

Tarpon

Tarpon (Megalops Atlanticus)

A giant 6-foot Tarpon jumping several feet out of the water is a sight few anglers will ever forget! This bucket list game fish migrates between the Florida Keys, Costa Rica and the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Keys is widely thought of as the tarpon fishing capital of the world.

Florida Bay is a prime location, particularly in the deeper moats around some of the smaller keys and the channels that cut through the mud and grass flats. Tarpon frequent the Atlantic and Gulf "strips," the edges of flats around Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. The same can be said for Key West Harbor.

Tarpons are classified into two species: M. atlanticus (Atlantic Ocean tarpon) and M. atlanticus cyprinoides (Indo-Pacific tarpon). Atlantic Tarpon can be found along the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, as well as in the Caribbean and along the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Tarpon Description and Typical Size

Tarpon have thin bodies covered with large flat scales. One of its more recognizable characteristics is its large lower jaw and mouth points upward. They are shimmery silver with blue-grey or greenish backs and dark fins and tails. The scales on top of the Tarpon body are darker than that underneath. This color makes it difficult for predators to see the fish when viewed from above or below. The tail has a deep fork, and the dorsal fin is elongated and thin.

Adult Tarpon can grow up to about 8 feet long and weigh up to 280 pounds, but the more common size is 4 feet and 80 - 100 pounds. Their lifespan can be up to 50 years or more.

Interesting Facts

• Tarpon are known for their acrobatics and can jump 10 feet out of the water and swim up to 35 mph.
• They are close relatives of Skipjack and Ladyfish.
• Although edible, people rarely eat them because of their small, hard-to-clean bones.
• Tarpon has been around for a long time - 125 million years kind of time!
• Tarpon are capable of filling themselves with air. This gives it a predatory advantage when oxygen levels in the water are low.

Diet

Tarpon are strictly carnivorous; they hunt mid-water bait fish, both small fish and larger fish they swallow whole.

Spawning

Tarpon spawn offshore in warm, secluded areas, usually in late spring to late summer and with a full moon or new moon cycle.

The sperm and egg are all released into the water in a process referred to as broadcast spawning. The female tarpons will release up to 12 million eggs at a time. Once the eggs are fertilized, they float on top of the water. The eggs look like transparent ribbons, which make it difficult for predators to notice. The eggs will absorb the nutrients in the water through the skin.

After hatching, they enter the juvenile stage, remaining in the shallow water until they have developed into an adult.

Where to Find Tarpon Fish?

Tarpon live in a variety of habitats. They mainly occupy saltwater but also range in the brackish water of rivers like Crystal River. They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but not unusual if they appear in the open ocean close to coral reefs.

Tarpon can gulp air at the surface when they are in an environment that doesn't provide enough oxygen.

You will find them as far north as New England and occasionally in Nova Scotia, Canada in the summer months. Being migratory fish, you will find them in Southern Florida or Central America in the winter months. Their largest concentration is in South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of the best places to find Tarpon include the Florida Keys, especially Islamorada, Marathon, Key West and the Everglades National Park. Miami is another great spot, especially Key Biscayne, Biscayne Bay, and Biscayne National Park. There are a number of other great places such as Boca Grande near Fort Myers and North thru Tampa Bay to Tarpon Springs and Crystal River. Don't forget Florida's Atlantic Ocean side with St. Augustine, Florida, St. Simons Island in Georgia, and San Juan Puerto Rico.

A Few Related Tarpon Fishing Articles:

Learn the Best Tarpon Fishing Spots 

Florida Tarpon Fishing 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Tarpon

Although Tarpon can reach up to 280 pounds, heavy tackle is not required. A 5000 to 7000-size spinning reel paired with a medium-weight rod is a high multi-purpose tackle for Tarpon fishing that will be sufficient. The reel should be corrosive-resistant and have a smooth and robust drag to tame the fish quickly. When fishing tarpon, shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and crabs are the best live bait. Stake out above tarpon-holding areas and drift your live bait down to the fish. Hook crabs in the shell's corner and baitfish through the mouth.

Fly fishing the shallow flats is exciting. Watching a school of the larger fish turn towards the boat, knowing you are one perfect cast from landing a giant tarpon, is exhilarating. An angler armed with a 10wt rod and a perfect cast leads the school of fish, stripping like mad to lure the large Tarpon. A few flies to try while fly fishing includes the Black Death, Purple People Eater, White Lightning, Tarpon Shrimp, Coker Smoker, and the Tarpon Toad.

Their athleticism is one of the most fantastic attractions of Tarpon fishing. When the fish is hooked, it will use its muscular build and incredible speed to jump out of the water. Be careful; often, these jumps help the fish remove the hook.

There is nothing like a successful and enjoyable tarpon fishing trip on a fishing charter. Fishing charters are the best way to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable tarpon fishing trip. You'll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful locations in the world not only because you will be able to access the best equipment and professional guidance, but also because you will have the latest fishing report, tarpon migration, and a guide to understand where the large fish are roaming.

Can you Eat Tarpon?

While Tarpon fish are thrilling to reel in, many people wonder if tarpon is good to eat. The short answer is that while you technically can eat tarpon, it's not recommended for several reasons. 
Firstly, tarpon has high levels of mercury, which can be harmful in large quantities. Secondly, their flesh tends to be tough and full of bones, making it challenging to prepare and enjoy as a meal. Additionally, most anglers practice catch-and-release with tarpon as they are highly sought after for sport rather than food. While it may be possible to eat tarpon fish if you choose to do so, it's not recommended due to the high levels of mercury present in their flesh and the difficulty in preparing them for consumption.

If you do want to test the waters and try eating tarpon, you will find a white, flaky texture with a mild taste and oily flavor. It is advised to only consume tarpon caught in clean waters to avoid any potential health risks. When preparing tarpon for consumption, it is best to bake or grill it and avoid consuming it raw. Ultimately, whether or not to eat tarpon is a personal choice, but those who choose to do so should ensure that it is properly cooked and comes from a safe source.

Tarpon History

A review of Tarpon history reveals that these prehistoric fish that have been around for over 100 million years have received much attention from scientists in Florida, especially over the last several years. To determine the survival rate after a long battle, researchers at the Florida Marine Research Institute track and release individual tarpon to determine how well they survive the battle.

There have been a few rare cases in which tarpon has been found in northern locations like Nova Scotia, Canada. Female tarpons can grow to over 300 pounds and can reach almost 8 feet in length. A female tarpon can live for over fifty years, and a smaller male can live for up to thirty years. In an aquarium, the oldest tarpon in captivity died at 63 years of age after living for over fifty years.

Tarpons are extremely slow growers. Juvenile tarpon does not reach sexual maturity until seven, and they can reach sexual maturity as late as thirteen years old. Most tarpon fishing is done right close to shore; the tarpon spawns offshore when the tides are at the highest on major moons when they are at their strongest. Tarpon spawns during the month of April through July. The significant moons are when other fish move into shallow waters while others are moving out to spawn.

For all these reasons, it is very easy to see why it is so important to release each and every tarpon as carefully as possible. For example, a 100-pound tarpon is between 13 and 16 years old. One female tarpon can lay as many as 12 million eggs.

About the Tarpon Population

Tarpons are one of the most sought-after fish in the world, and their population is dwindling.

Tarpons are a threatened species and are considered an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They're also popular game fish for sport fishing and commercial purposes.