Pacific Barracuda in California
Bag rules, records and waters: Pacific barracuda.
- 10 a daydaily bag
- 15 lbs., 15 oz.record
About California Pacific barracuda
CDFW groups Pacific barracuda (Sphyraena argentea) with its other species, on salt water. Anglers may keep 10 a day (Statewide), size 28 in minimum.
The state record weighed 15 lbs., 15 oz., taken at San Onofre in 1957. It shows up along the north, central and south coast, per CDFW.
The CDFW profile of Pacific barracuda
“Barracuda range from Prince William Sound, Alaska to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the greatest abundance occurring in the southern portion of the range.”
“Barracuda are a coastal pelagic, schooling fish that can be found in the open water, as well as surrounding kelp beds and rocky reefs from the surface to depths of 38 meters (125 feet). Juvenile barracuda inhabit coastal lagoons, bays and harbors.”
- SizeBarracuda reach a maximum size of about 48 inches (122 centimeters) and possibly as long as 60 inches (152 cm) in total length and 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms) in weight. Females are about 3% larger than the males.
- SeasonAllowed year-round. Barracuda are generally present off the California coast about six months of the year from April to October and are caught seasonally with warm water events.
- GearSince purse seining for barracuda was banned in 1940, the primary commercial fishing gear for barracuda is small mesh drift gill nets and various types of hook and line, including trolling and jigs. Recreationally they are caught by hook an
- Where fishedAvailable statewide. Fishing for barracuda generally takes place offshore in less than 100 feet of water, but also occurs near kelp beds when water is warm.
- Other namesbarracuda, California barracuda, cuda, barry, scooter, scoot, slimestick, slimer
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Bag limits for Pacific barracuda
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 10 a day | 28 in minimum | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
The Pacific barracuda record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 15 lbs., 15 oz. | San Onofre | 1957 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 14 lbs., 7 oz. | Catalina Island | 1957 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Other fish like Pacific barracuda
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
Pacific barracuda in California: what people ask
What are the rules for keeping Pacific barracuda?
10 a day (Statewide), size 28 in minimum.
What is the California record Pacific barracuda?
15 lbs., 15 oz. from San Onofre (1957).
Which California lakes hold Pacific barracuda?
Available statewide. Fishing for barracuda generally takes place offshore in less than 100 feet of water, but also occurs near kelp beds when water is warm.
Does CDFW stock Pacific barracuda?
No 2026 plants are listed.
What Latin name does CDFW use for Pacific barracuda?
Barracuda reach a maximum size of about 48 inches (122 centimeters) and possibly as long as 60 inches (152 cm) in total length and 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms) in weight. Females are about 3% larger than the males.
When is the season for Pacific barracuda?
Year round
Which license do I buy for Pacific barracuda?
License from 16 ($64.54); some species need report cards too.
Which charters catch Pacific barracuda?
See the guides page.