Barracouta Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Barracouta (Thyrsites atun) is a pelagic species that inhabits temperate waters around southern Australia, including Victoria. These fish have a long, sleek body with a pointed snout and powerful jaws lined with sharp teeth. They typically grow to 60-100cm in length but can reach up to 2 meters.

Barracouta are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and are often found in schools, hunting smaller fish near the surface or in mid-water. They prefer cooler waters and are commonly found around offshore reefs, rocky headlands, and over sandy bottoms.

In Victoria, Barracouta can be caught year-round, with peak seasons typically in autumn and winter. They are often caught while fishing for other species like salmon or trevally. Barracouta are known for their strong fights when hooked, making them an exciting catch for anglers.

While some consider Barracouta a good eating fish, others find the flesh too oily. It’s often used as bait for larger species or smoked for consumption. When handling Barracouta, be cautious of their sharp teeth and spines along the dorsal fin.

What restrictions are in place for Barracouta fishing in Melbourne?

Fishing for Barracouta in Victoria is subject to the following rules: There is no minimum legal size for Barracouta, allowing anglers to keep fish of any size. However, there is a bag limit of 20 Barracouta per person per day. Always check the latest Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for any updates to these regulations. Remember to carry a valid fishing license when fishing in Victorian waters.

How to catch Barracouta

To catch Barracouta in Victoria, trolling and spinning are effective methods. Use metal lures, particularly those that mimic small baitfish. When trolling, maintain a speed of 4-7 knots. Casting metal lures from the shore or boat and retrieving quickly can also be productive. Barracouta often school near the surface, so watch for feeding activity. Use sturdy gear as these fish can bite through lighter lines. A wire trace is recommended to prevent bite-offs. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to target Barracouta.

What should you fish with for Barracouta?

When it comes to fishing for Barracouta, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with lures when fishing for Barracouta, but bait fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Barracouta

Bait fishing for Barracouta offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Pilchards
• Squid
• Whitebait
• Mackerel

The Top 5 Lures to Use for Barracouta

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Barracouta:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Minnow Lures
• Trolling Lures

Where to catch Barracouta in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Barracouta. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Barracouta can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Barracouta, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Barracouta fishing in Melbourne