Bold Fisherman Scoops Up Mammoth Barracuda With His Bare Hands

Barracudas are massive, dangerous fish that swim in much of the ocean worldwide. Though not considered a commercial fish in North America, they are known to put up a good fight, making them an enjoyable catch for many fishermen. In fact, a recent viral video shows a particularly bold fisherman scooping up a barracuda with his bare hands after catching it on his pole. This is certainly not recommended, as the powerful bites of these large fish can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

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How Large Do Barracudas Get?

Barracudas can grow up to nearly two meters long and weigh over 100 pounds. The largest barracuda ever caught was 102 pounds, 8 ounces, and 6 feet 10.7 inches in length, with a girth of 27 inches. After a 10-minute battle, American angler Thomas Gibson caught this monster in 2013 while using a red Rapala lure. The catch was made in Kwanza River’s mouth in Angola, Africa.

Can Barracudas Kill Humans? 

Yes, barracudas can kill humans with their powerful, sharp bites. In just one quick strike, the barracuda can lacerate human tissue and cause you to bleed out if it’s deep enough.

However, barracuda attacks are relatively rare. When they do occur, it’s usually not intentional. For example, they might accidentally bite a human while trying to steal fish from fishermen or while mistaking a human for a shiny fish. 

Where Do Barracudas Live?

Barracudas are saltwater fish that live in the ocean. Most commonly, they reside in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts down to Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Indo-Pacific Ocean, and the Red Sea. Rarely, they might make their way to the eastern Pacific Ocean. 

For the most part, these large fish spend their time near seagrass beds, mangroves, coral reefs, and other near-shore habitats.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Ashley-Belle Burns