A boater from the Baltimore area who spends summers fishing out of Millsboro landed what local experts believe may be the first great barracuda caught in Delaware waters.
Unusual catch about 15 miles off Indian River Inlet
Kevin Davidson said he headed to the spot known as the "Old Grounds" on Aug. 22 and expected mahi-mahi. After several small bites, something much larger hit his cut ballyhoo bait. The fish revealed silver scales and a set of sharp teeth when it jumped, and Davidson realized it was not the wahoo he first suspected.
It took him about 30 minutes to bring the fish alongside the boat. The barracuda measured between 3½ and 4 feet, dented his flounder net and required a gaffe to land. Davidson docks his boat in Millsboro and fishes out of the Indian River Inlet throughout the summer.
"When it jumped out of the water and revealed its silver scales, Davidson knew it wasn't a mahi,"
Local reaction and context
Longtime fishing columnist Eric Burnley said, to the best of his knowledge, this could be the first great barracuda documented in Delaware waters. Great barracuda typically live in more tropical regions and are uncommon this far north, making the catch noteworthy to the state's angling community.
- Angler: Kevin Davidson
- Date: Aug. 22, 2026
- Location: "Old Grounds," ~15 miles off Indian River Inlet
- Length: 3½–4 feet
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Great barracuda |
| Typical max size | Up to 5 feet and 100 lbs. (Virginia Aquarium data) |
| Angler's equipment | Small hook, 20-lb braided line, cut ballyhoo |
Food-safety note
Davidson filleted the fish on board and planned to eat it, but later learned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend consuming great barracuda. State and federal advisories about seafood safety can change based on species and region; anglers should consult current guidance before keeping and eating unusual catches.
Davidson credited lessons from Capt. Chuck Cook of First Light Charters in Lewes and the staff at Rick's Bait & Tackle in Long Neck for his fishing know-how. For Delaware anglers, the catch is a reminder that shifting water temperatures and seasonal movements can bring unexpected species into local waters.
As local experts and fisheries managers review sightings like this one, anglers who encounter unusual fish are encouraged to document the catch with photos and share details with regional authorities or experienced local outfitters.
