Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        Barracuda are one of the most underrated species in our area.  They have a bad reputation because of their known propensity to have ciguatera.  Ciguatera is a microscopic toxin that when ingested by humans can cause nausea, vomiting, tingling, numbness, or vertigo. Symptoms may last for a few days or up to several weeks.  While barracuda get the bad rap for ciguatera poisoning, any large fish at the top of the food chain could possibly be contaminated.  Surprisingly grouper, red snapper, and hogfish are also on the list of possible suspects yet they remain highly sought after. The origin of the ciguatera toxin is found in coral reefs, which we do not have in the Tampa Bay area or our adjoining offshore waters of the gulf.  Therefore, our fish are relatively safe to eat.  In fact, my research revealed only seven cases of ciguatera poisoning in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties combined in the last twenty years.  That being said, barracuda are fun to catch with their veracious strikes and aerial acrobatics when hooked.  They can be caught with a variety baits or artificial lures while trolling or anchored.  While it’s still best to release the large ones to err on the side of caution, the smaller ones under 3-feet make good table fare.  Some offshore captain’s in the “know” will agree that they taste like snook. Now the secret is out.