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Peacock bass
Photo: Karelj, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Cichla ocellaris

How to catch Peacock bass

Peacock bass feed in 68–95°F water and bite best at 78–90°F. Fish Scouter's season calendar follows them in 2 waters; in October they are at their peak in Florida fresh water.

40 pts · trophy at 20"Feeds 68–95°FBest 78–90°FIn season nowCanalLakePond / pitBridge

About

The butterfly peacock: a South American brawler stocked in the Miami canals in the '80s, gold and black-barred, that hits a jerkbait like a train and jumps. Only in the canals of Dade and Broward, in the heat.

How to fish it

The canals and the lakes of Miami on a warm, bright day; cast a jerkbait at the culverts, the bridges and the shade lines. They don't bite in cold water.

What it eats

live shinersjerkbaitssmall topwatersflies

What to fish it with

the sizes that fish it
Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
Hook#2–3/0
Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
Braid10–30 lb

The rule

not confirmed here

Two per day, one over 17" — confirm at MyFWC.

The current rule →

Where it is, month by month

PPeakSSpawningAArriving·AroundLLeaving
Fresh water by state
Florida fresh water
Hawaii fresh water
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