James RickardFlorida's exotic--the peacock bass
October 25th 2007 00:53
If you go to Florida, don’t make the same mistake I did and pass up an opportunity to fish for one of the world’s greatest game fish—the peacock bass. Usually found in South American rivers, peacock bass were introduced to Southern Florida canals in the 80s to combat evasive species and has flourished since then.
Despite the name, the peacock bass is not really a member of the bass family but one of the 1600 plus members of a family called CICHLIDS. However, there are traits similar to the North American largemouth bass. Most apparent is the body shape. Other similarities are a ravenous appetite and a propensity to attack with the aggressiveness of a far larger fish. To that end, peacocks have been known to destroy tackle that would defeat the toughest largemouth.
Depending on your information, there are either four or five species of peacock bass although some experts believe there may be a dozen species lurking in the lakes and rivers of South America. A colorful and plentiful species, the butterfly, is one variety found in Florida along with the speckled peacock. The most readily visible characteristic of a peacock is a dark circular marking rimmed by a golden perimeter which is found near or on the tail. It is this marking, similar to that of a peacock bird, that many believe gave the fish its name.
When it comes to actual fishing, anyone who does very much fishing probably has some of the equipment necessary to fish for peacock bass. Due to the ferocity with which they attack bait, it’s advisable to use a stout rod for the Florida variety and line rated at 20 lb. or more. While mornings and evenings are prime time for largemouth bass, peacock will bite during the heat of the day so, late risers can take heart and get out there for an afternoon session! Of course, live bait works with these fish but, you can use most artificial lures also—crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, topwaters, and spinners. In fact, despite their “exotic” status, fishing for peacock is much like fishing for other species until they strike. The only bait you’d waste your time with are some soft plastics; especially artificial worms. You can get a peacock from the bank as well as a boat. In fact, this is one time the shore angler may have an advantage because the availability of boat ramps in South Eastern Florida's canals leaves something to be desired.
Again, let me say--if you go to Florida, PLEASE see something besides the Mouse! If you get a rental car with unlimited miles, it’s 3-4 hours from Disney World to the peacock bass!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*picture from floridaconservation.org
Depending on your information, there are either four or five species of peacock bass although some experts believe there may be a dozen species lurking in the lakes and rivers of South America. A colorful and plentiful species, the butterfly, is one variety found in Florida along with the speckled peacock. The most readily visible characteristic of a peacock is a dark circular marking rimmed by a golden perimeter which is found near or on the tail. It is this marking, similar to that of a peacock bird, that many believe gave the fish its name.
When it comes to actual fishing, anyone who does very much fishing probably has some of the equipment necessary to fish for peacock bass. Due to the ferocity with which they attack bait, it’s advisable to use a stout rod for the Florida variety and line rated at 20 lb. or more. While mornings and evenings are prime time for largemouth bass, peacock will bite during the heat of the day so, late risers can take heart and get out there for an afternoon session! Of course, live bait works with these fish but, you can use most artificial lures also—crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, topwaters, and spinners. In fact, despite their “exotic” status, fishing for peacock is much like fishing for other species until they strike. The only bait you’d waste your time with are some soft plastics; especially artificial worms. You can get a peacock from the bank as well as a boat. In fact, this is one time the shore angler may have an advantage because the availability of boat ramps in South Eastern Florida's canals leaves something to be desired.
Again, let me say--if you go to Florida, PLEASE see something besides the Mouse! If you get a rental car with unlimited miles, it’s 3-4 hours from Disney World to the peacock bass!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*picture from floridaconservation.org
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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When I think about it-those things and reddies are my big obsessions (after sharks, of course) right now. *LOL* I think I'm one of the few people in the U.S. who knows what reddies are!!!!!!
Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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The thing is--it's going to be a little harder to catch reddies--I've been to Florida before so, this is doable!