Species
Barracouta
Thyrsites atun
Also known as snoek · couta
Tier 3Eating5/10light tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
0 waypoints50–90 cm (max 200 cm) typical
Overview: about barracouta
Slim toothy pelagic of southern Australia, the historic 'couta' of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. Trolled with metal lures and bait jigs around bait schools. Sharp teeth — keep clear of fingers when landing. Bony but classic Aussie fish-and-chip ingredient when smoked.
Biology: Barracouta size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Shelf
- Typical size
- 50–90 cm (max 200 cm)
- Weight
- 1–6 kg
- Depth range
- 0–550 m
- Diet
- small fish, squid
- Global range
- Southern Hemisphere temperate
How to target: Barracouta angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- trolled metal couta-jigs
- small spoons in surface schools
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- razor-sharp teeth
Recent community catches: anglers who caught barracouta
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More information: barracouta references & sources
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