Peacock Bass the Species
In Florida, Peacock Bass species were introduced into the lakes and canals of Miami-Dade County in 1984 after ten years of study by the Game and Fish Commission. Over twenty thousand Butterfly Peacock Bass species were released to help control the growing population of exotic fishes, particularly the Spotted Tilapia and Oscar. The Florida Peacock Bass wasted little time fulfilling its anticipated roles. Almost immediately the population of Spotted Tilapia started to drop. Because of their sensitivity to cold, the only place on the United States mainland Peacocks have been successfully stocked has been in South Florida. Peacock Bass cannot, in fact, survive any further north than Broward County or they experience a natural die-off. Any further north than that despite efforts by well-meaning fisherman transporting them to other locations simply has not worked. Though called bass to raise its game fish status, Peacocks are actually in the cichlid family and is a very close relative to the Oscar, a popular aquarium fish. They grow at a very fast rate, reaching a pound or more in size in their first year, so you can imagine how much they have to eat to fuel that growth! Therefore Peacock Bass are ready and willing to viciously attack just about any type lure or bait, especially if retrieved in a lively manner. They just love to attack and destroy streamers and poppers for you fly fishermen and many of the conventional bass lures for you die-hard bass fishermen. It is not uncommon to catch thirty fish or more per day. Once hooked the Peacock Bass puts on a spectacular show that is second to none.
Description – The body shape is similar to that of a
largemouth bass. Body color, as you can see by the pictures they are a beautiful fish marked with iridescent hues of yellow, orange, green, and blue with three black vertical bars and a black spot with a silver halo on the caudal fin but have highly variable color patterns.
Season – Florida Peacock Bass fishing is a year-round fishery so you can plan a trip for any time of the year. If you asked what is the best time to come, the answer would be between February to the end of June. During this time of the year, you will have the best chance at a larger butterfly peacock bass. Also between late September and December or until the first cold front approaches. This a great time for schooling fish, rest assured we guarantee you fish no matter when you come down!
Florida Largemouth Bass also can be caught in the same locations!
Description – The largemouth species is the largest member of the sunfish family. It generally has light greenish to brownish sides with a dark lateral line which tends to break into blotches towards the tail. Often confused with smallmouth and spotted bass, it is easily distinguishable because the upper jaw extends beyond the rear edge of the eye. Also, its first and second dorsal fins are almost separated by an obvious deep dip, and there are no scales on the soft-rayed second dorsal fin or on the anal fin.
Season – Largemouth Bass species also is a year-round fishery, your best odds of catching a trophy bass are between November through April during the spawning season. We have caught up to eight-pound bass while fishing for Peacock.
To learn more about our services and Peacock bass fishing follow these helpful links to fishing rates, peacock bass fishing accommodations, visit our fishing reports and of course read up on our excellent fishing guides.