Barracuda Pics Anyone?

[ChrisRD]

This isn't a very good pic as the visibility at this particular spot wasn't great due to the current kicking sand up.

I got a real close-up look at this guy (about 5' away at first - a bit too close - LOL) while floating along playing in a school of little fish along Sandy Point, St. Croix.

Not sure how long he was there, but I turned around after following the school for a while and BAM - there we were, nose to nose! I think I may have interupted his lunch...

I was able to back away from him and snap this pick after I put a bit more distance between us.

Barracudas are sortof intimidating the way they just hang-around, seemingly unafraid....creepy..

Anybody got a good pic of one?

 

[jamesw]

Chris,

Mind if I jump in? (It's just cause I'm jealous you went to the USVI):

Barracuda hanging around under the boat:

Cheers
James

 

[Reefguide]

Yeah a bit creepy but you get used to it. We dive all the time in shallow patch reefs and they are always hanging around. Makes spear fishing a nightmare, they have no shame in stealing your kills.... kinda sucks....

 

[ChrisRD]

Very cool pic James!

they have no shame in stealing your kills...

I believe it! We saw some smaller ones too, and they all seem pretty bold.

 

[jamesw]

Here's one inside the rig:

Cheers
James

 

[ChrisRD]

James, how big are these guys? They look big...

 

[Anonymous]

I love St Croix. Been all over the islands.Great diving.Makes the west coast look like a toilet

 

[squeezix]

I have some pics of these guys...although not as pretty, bloody and in a boat. Remember, if the water is cloudy, remove ALL jewelry before getting near these guys. They will follow you for yards like a stray dog, but one bright shiny object, and they will rip your face off. earrings, necklaces, body jewelry should be hidden or removed. I hunt Barracuda by speed of lure and/or light flashing on the bait.

Snorkeling on a tour they are quite docile, give these fuckers one extraneous circumstance and you will be missing a finger, ear, mask.....whatever is shiny.

 

[ChrisRD]

Snorkeling on a tour they are quite docile

Actually, we weren't on a tour, it was just my girlfriend and I. There was nobody else in sight (in the water or on shore). I wonder if he would have been as bold had there been a group of people out there...

 

[Mogo]

Bahamas- 2003- kids snorkelling:
"Hey dad, we found some fish, come and look!
"Not right now"
"But they're thiiiiiis big!"
"Yeah right. Ok, ok."
So I grab the mask and out I go. Barracuda, 3 or 4 of em 8O . I always get a little nervous when they're around. They always seem to be on the prowl or something. The kids could have cared less in their excitement. A couple days later I showed them one on the end of a fishing line. Their attitude toward them quickly changed when examining the chompers. Magnificent animals. I want one for my aquarium