Peacock bass is a famous game fish in South Florida. It is native to South America, but they were introduced to Florida in the 1980s. They are beautiful, hard-fighting fish that can be caught in various settings. Peacock bass can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including canals, lakes, and ponds.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, peacock bass fishing in South Florida is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience. So, if you are thinking about trying peacock bass fishing in South Florida, this article is for you!
This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to peacock bass fishing in South Florida. We will cover everything from where to find peacock bass to the best season for fishing. We will also provide some tips on how to catch this beautiful fish.
Short Summary
- Exotic Thrills: Discover the vibrant world of Peacock Bass, introduced to South Florida from South America in the 1980s, offering a captivating angling experience.
- Prime Fishing Spots: Uncover top locations like various Miami canals, Markham Park’, and more, where Peacock Bass thrives alongside other native and exotic species.
- Tactics and Techniques: Learn effective strategies such as live bait presentations, topwater lures, and fly fishing to entice these aggressive predators during their active months.
- Follow the Rules: Stick to the rules and release practices, with a limit of two peacock bass per day as set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
- The best time to fish for peacock bass in South Florida is spring and summer.
What is Peacock Bass?
Peacock bass, scientifically known as Cichla ocellaris, are predatory freshwater fish native to the Amazon, Guianas rivers, and Orinoco basins in South America. They were introduced to Florida’s waters in 1984 to control invasive species like cichlids, oscars, and tilapia. With their keen adaptation skills, they quickly embraced their role as underwater protectors.
They are strikingly colored, with shades of yellow, dark bars on their sides, and vibrant orange fins. Florida, Panama, and Brazil are the top destinations for peacock bass fishing. Peacock bass are aggressive predators that feed on various fish, insects, and crustaceans.
The most common species anglers target is the Butterfly Peacock Bass, prized for its taste and fight. Anglers love the challenge of catching them, but conservation efforts remind us to release these beauties back into the water to ensure their population thrives.
There are about 15 species of peacock bass. The Speckled Peacock Bass is the largest, reaching over 36 inches, but it’s rare and protected. The smallest is the Royal Peacock Bass, growing up to 10 inches. The Butterfly Peacock Bass falls in between, ranging from 6 to 15 pounds. They have adapted well to their new environments and have helped control invasive species.
Best Locations to Catch Peacock Bass
There are many excellent spots for fishing peacock bass in South Florida. Let’s have a look at some of the best fishing spots you can explore in South Florida:
1. Broward and Miami-Dade
In the early 1900s, they built a bunch of canals in Broward and Miami-Dade counties to control floods, drain water, and store it. These canals are like a complicated maze, with visible ones above the ground and hidden ones underground, all connected.
People love to fish in these canals, especially for largemouth bass. But the canals can be confusing. Luckily, you can easily access them from roads, bridges, and paths all around. The canals go through neighborhoods, shopping areas, and even busy roads.
One of the top places to catch peacock bass is the Black Creek Canal in southeastern Miami-Dade County. It has almost 10 miles of water you can paddle a canoe in.
Another good choice is the Snapper Creek Canal, which is 12.3 miles long. It connects to other canals you can go boating in and a 7-acre lake. There’s an excellent spot to launch your boat and fish from the bank too.
The water in these canals is usually clear so that you can see the fish. It’s fun to use fly fishing, especially in the morning and evening, since they are top water bites this time.
2. Miami Airport Lakes, Miami
One of the best spots to fish peacock bass is Miami Airport Lakes. South to the Miami International Airport, you will find cool places like Blue Lagoon Lake, Lake Mahar, Red-Shouldered Hawk Lake, and Red-tailed Hawk Lake. There are lots of peacock bass here, mostly 1 to 3 pounds, and the biggest ever (10 pounds) came from here.
The best time to catch butterfly peacock bass is March to May, but you can get them all year. Most people use live bait by the shore, but you can also fish at Blue Lagoon Lake and in canals going southwest to northeast.
The Miami Airport Lakes have clear and deep water, perfect for catching peacock bass. You can catch them near docks, piers, riprap, and bulkheads by the shore. Even though there isn’t official access, you can still fish from the shore.
Despite businesses and apartments taking up much of the shoreline, many boardwalks, sidewalks, and parking lots provide access.
3. Markham Park, Fort Lauderdale
Markham Park in Fort Lauderdale is a big park with 669 acres. It’s a great place to catch peacock bass and largemouth bass. The park is north of Alligator Alley on the western side of Fort Lauderdale, at the edge of the Everglades.
There are many fishing options at Maham Parak, including canals and lakes. Also, there are small lakes where you can paddle and easily fish from the shore.
The North New River Canal is along the western and southern parts of the park. It’s the best place to catch peacock bass. There are trails by the canal where you can walk and fish.
If you’re from outside the area, you’ll see many canals that go around the place and even to the Everglades. People in Fort Lauderdale love catching peacock bass too.
One of the best things about this area is there are plenty of other things for your family. When they are not interested in fishing, they can enjoy tons of other activities here.
4. Lake Osborne and Lake Ida
Lake Osborne and Lake Ida are two lakes connected by a canal in Palm Beach County. You can cast from the shore or use a boat on both lakes. They’re home to different native game fish like largemouth bass and bluegill and some exotic ones like clown knifefish and Mayan cichlid.
Lake Osborne is larger than Ida, about 390 acres, and it’s very easy to fish here because of its vast parkland around its shoreline. It’s got vegetation like willows, hydrilla, and cattails where peacock bass hide. Use live gold shiners as bait for peacocks and largemouth bass.
Lake Ida is around 10 miles south near I-95. It’s also a great place to fish. This smaller lake covers 147 acres, and this lake and its canals are great for kayak anglers.
5. Golden Gate Canals, Naples
The Golden Gate Canal system is a super cool place to catch peacock bass. It’s near Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades National Park. These canals have peacock bass, largemouth bass, and black crappie. The water is clear and warm, just right for peacock bass.
To catch peacock bass, try similar tactics that work in Miami’s canals. They hang around bridges and other things in the water and sometimes swim along the edges.
The popular way to target peacock bass here is to fly fishing with poppers and streamers. Having live bait is always a great idea to catch these fish. If peacock bass isn’t biting other baits, a live shiner under a float can work well.
The canals go through a neighborhood, so you can mostly fish at bridges. If you’re new to South Florida, you should definitely go there.
When To Target Peacock Bass?
Peacock bass are most active and easy to spot in April and May during their spawn. Although peacock bass fishing can be year-round, you won’t get that much success in the winter compared to summer. So, it’s best not to fish for them in the colder winter months because they don’t like the cold, even Florida’s cold.
When they’re nesting, peacock bass gets super protective and attack anything that comes near their territory. The big ones are actually males, and they guard their nests against raiders. So, there is a high chance they won’t hesitate to grab your bait or lure.
Peacock bass is most active during the day. You don’t have to wake up during the early hours to catch peacock bass. This is good news for travelers because they don’t have to wake up super early just to catch them in a short morning time.
This fish appears when the sun rises to enjoy the sun’s warmth. They’re used to hot days and warm water. As the sun rises, it’s even easier to see them, so sight fishing improves.
Tips: How to Catch Peacock Bass?
To catch a peacock bass, you need to know how to use your lures and what to pick. Peacock bass are big hunters and eat a lot, especially when it’s hot and sunny. When they’re active, they’ll go after almost anything, so you don’t need to be too picky; it’s about how you present it.
Florida’s peacock bass are really aggressive hunters. Many lures that work for largemouth bass also work for peacock bass. Using a small golden shiner, cichlid, or tilapia about 3 inches long is almost a guarantee they’ll bite.
But don’t bring plastic worms. Peacock bass mainly eats small fish; live shiners or shad are the best bait. They also like jerk baits, crankbaits, poppers, and “walk the dog” lures.
If they’re not biting, slow your lure down, especially in the spring. During spawning time, they stay in one spot to protect their nests. If you get close and threaten them, there is a high chance that they will bite.
Fly fishing is fun too. Peacock bass also goes for streamer flies that look like minnows and popper flies.
Which Gear to Use?
Use a strong leader, around 40 pounds, made of clear fluorocarbon. Peacock bass have rough mouths that can cut through lighter lines. A clear leader also keeps fish focused on your lure or bait in the clear water they live in.
Medium to light gear should be enough to handle these fish, which can grow up to 10 pounds. Peacock bass is tougher fighter than something like largemouth bass.
To catch Peacock Bass, use light spinning gear or fly gear. Most people catch peacock bass using medium-light spinning gear and an 8-pound line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peacock Bass Fishing in South Florida
Q: Where can I find Peacock Bass in South Florida?
A: Peacock bass can be found in various freshwater habitats such as canals, lakes, and ponds in South Florida. Popular locations include Broward & Miami-Dade counties, Miami Airport Lakes, Markham Park, Lake Osborne, Lake Ida, and Golden Gate Canals.
Q: Can I catch Peacock Bass at night?
A: Peacock bass are most active during the day and rarely bite at night.
Q: What is the best season to catch Peacock Bass in South Florida?
A: While Peacock Bass fishing is possible year-round, the best time is during their active months of April to September when they are most aggressive.
Q: Why is peacock bass popular to fish for?
A: Peacock bass are known for their vibrant colors, aggressive nature, and intense fighting ability. They are also very beautiful fish, and many anglers enjoy the challenge of catching them.
Q: Can you Keep Peacock?
A: Yes, anglers are permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to keep two peacock bass per day, but only one of them could be 17 inches or longer.
Q: Do I need a license to fish in South Florida?
A: Yes, you will need a freshwater fishing license if you are going after peacock bass.
Q: Are Peacock Bass Found in Orlando?
A: No! There is no Peacock bass in Orlando. While Central Florida draws travelers for various fishing opportunities, the peacock bass is exclusive to South Florida and is not found in Orlando.
Final Thoughts
Peacock bass are native to South America, but they were introduced to Florida in the 1980s to help control populations of invasive species. Peacock bass is a beautiful fish known for its vibrant colors and aggressive nature. They are primarily active during the summer and can be found in various South Florida locations like Miami Airport Lakes, Markham Park, Lake Osborne, Lake Ida, and more.
If you are looking for a challenging, fun fight, then peacock bass fishing in South Florida is the perfect activity for you.
