- Until recently, this fierce
predator was thought to be dangerous to swimmers, particularly in tropical areas where the
largest specimens are found. Now many marine biologists believe that most so-called
"cuda attacks" are a bum rap, and more often the accidental (under conditions of
reduced visibility) work of such other large toothy gamefish as king mackerel or bluefish.
Regardless, this silver torpedo can be very dangerous if even the smaller specimens, which
have surprisingly long, sharp teeth for their size.
- Extremely fast and agile,
barracuda most often catch their prey in very short order by means of high-speed
open-water pursuit. These same characteristics also make them very fine gamefish on the
proper tackle, allowing them to uncork long high-speed runs that often culminate in a low,
long-distance jump. Although a number of species are found worldwide, the great barracuda
is found in U.S. water, wherever the Gulf Stream wanders, from the Carolinas to Texas. It
is also found in just about all tropical and near-tropical waters.
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