[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he fun thing about La-Tow surfcasting/coastal angling are the BIG GUNS we bring to the fight. At times, we use up to 15-foot rods, cast up to 8-ounce lures and load up to 50-pound braid. The BIG GUN days are when we must hit the jagged rocks along an angry coast with a rebellious wind.
Such was the northern coast of Eleuthera, being armed with a 12-foot rod, 7-ounce Crocodile spoon and a host of Junior La-Tow’s we went looking for baracudas.
Casting a spoon that size in those conditions takes skill, because the casting load alone can easily snap the line, or the spoon can sink. Though a seven-ounce spoon gives you the distance, retrieving it is an arm killer. However, nothing beats the massive silver flash in getting the attention of a Barracuda.
On my last cast for the kids and with arms as butter La-TOW! A monster barracuda slammed the spoon and about 15 minutes later we land it. The kids were amazed, and the adults ate cuda the next day.
How best to eat Barracuda
Now I caution you as I do everyone NOT to eat barracuda because of the risk of ingesting and getting cigutera poisoning. However, if you love eating them like I do, then these tips may help “reduce” the risk of ingesting ciguatera which accrues in other fish including large snapper.
Prevention starts with the landing of the fish.
- Avoid gaffing or injuring the fish, dead or alive in the visceral or chest and gut areas.
- Filet the fish as soon as possible, taking great care to avoid puncturing any organs and to avoid the major blood vessels along the spine.
WHY:
- Ciguatera is a toxin mostly concentrated in the organs of the fish.
- The bone marrow and blood vessels along the spine hold possible concentrations and staking a fish for cooking can enable cross contamination. Remember cooking DOES NOT eliminate the toxin.
There is an “EVIL” but somewhat accurate test for ciguatera. In Nassau, we love barracuda and strangely there are many willing to test your cuda just to get a portion. So be kind, let them “knowingly” test it and within 2 to 24 hours, the symptoms generally begin. However, ask yourself, can my tester be resistant?
Remember, Ciguatera is harmless to fish, odourless and tasteless. Eat at your own risk and not that of others, La-Tow!
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