The Experience of Peacock Bass Fishing

Peacock bass fishing and going after the butterfly peacock or speckled peacock, is exciting as these freshwater fighting fish are some of the most tenacious fish not located in saltwater.  They are natives of the Amazon River of South America and can also be found in the waters of Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Panama, Singapore and as well as many parts of the US where warmer fresh water can be found. 

The peacock bass fishing began when this species of bass was intentionally put into the freshwaters of Florida by fish and game officials to help rid their waters of fish such as the Oscar, Midas cichlid, and the spotted tilapia. Due to the warm water conditions in particular areas of Florida, the butterfly peacock bass have flourished. These tropical fish cannot survive in lower water temperatures.

Peacock bass fishing started after these fish were dropped into the warmer freshwaters of Florida in 1984 by fish and game officials to go after environmentally destructive fish like the Oscar, Midas cichlid, and the spotted tilapia.  Due to the warm water conditions in particular areas of Florida the peacock bass have vigorously grown in population. The peacock bass love temperate locations and cannot tolerate colder water temperatures.

Scheduling a peacock bass fishing trip with one of the many guides in Florida is affordable and relatively easy.  The serious peacock bass fisherman should consider planning a trip of a lifetime to the Amazon River or to the lakes and rivers of Venezuela.  This is the ultimate in peacock bass fishing.  Imagine fishing with the sounds of the jungle in the background and parrots and monkeys greeting you at every turn.

Peacock bass fishing can be accomplished with a fly, artificial or live bait.  The best way to fish for this type of bass is with live bait during daylight hours.   Fly fishing with 5 or 6 weight is suggested.  A hook with a fine point to pierce and good reel are necessary to land one of these tough fighting fish.  If you hire a knowledgeable guide he will advise on the type of gear needed and may even be able to provide you with it.  

After successful day of peacock bass fishing imagine taking home a keepsake replicate of this prize catch?  The locals can produce such a lifelike replica of your catch that often they are better than most traditional skin mounts.  The fisherman need only provide the taxidermist with a photo and measurements and he will produce a beautiful souvenir for you to take home.

You may have taken Florida fishing trips all your life and be a native Floridian, but if you have not had the thrill of hooking up to a renown fighting peacock bass you haven’t fished!