6 Tips for Catching Peacock Bass in Miami

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Throw Meat!

Peacock Bass were introduced to Florida in the 80s to aid in invasive species management and to create a sport fishery. Since then, they have taken control of these new waters, growing to impressive sizes (the state record is a whopping 9.11 pounds). While plenty of fish are around in the 10 to 14-inch range, true trophies are out there. While you may not get as many bites, throwing larger flies will help target trophy caliber fish. They are ambush predators and find it hard to resist a tasty big bug zooming past them. 

2. Strip Fast and Throw Shiny Flies

Peacock bass are predatory fish and will turn on their aggression at a moment’s notice. The key to triggering this response is moving your fly fast, taking it away from them. If you see a fish following your fly but not committing, burn it back to you; chances are this will cue the response you are looking for. A good two-hand strip is a handy tool to have in your quiver of tricks.  

Keep in mind that man-made canals are often pretty deep, so something with a little bit of weight will yield the best results. Flies like Clouser minnows, deceivers, and other small baitfish patterns are a good place to start. For colors, chartreuse, yellow, and white with added flash are the go-tos. When the opportunity presents itself, try to work the fly so it tracks under the fish instead of over the fish. When the fly comes up from under them and shoots away, more often than not, it will draw a strike.

As for gear, a good 6-wt, like the Lamson Cobalt, will handle most fish. If you are strictly targeting trophy fish, then opt for an 8-wt. For leaders, a standard 7.5 to 9-ft bass leader with a 12 to 20-lb fluorocarbon tippet is what you want. The fluoro is key here, as peacocks have an incredibly abrasive mouth.

3. Target Structure In Canals

The man-made canals of Miami and South Florida are square-cut canals with little structure. These unnatural, disturbed habitats were perfect for non-native peacock bass to colonize and call home. That said, peacocks are like any fish and still prefer some form of structure. The best things to look for in canals are bridges, pipes, or even a shopping cart. In these deep-cut canals, the littlest piece of structure will attract peacocks looking for a spot to ambush bait. Peacocks also prefer rock piles over natural structures like weed beds. If you find a pile of rocks, chances are bass will be lurking off of it.

4. Use Satelite Maps

Mapping tools like onWater Fish or Google Maps are your best friends for finding new fishing spots. A quick glance at satellite imagery will reveal countless canals and ponds within a short drive. Unfortunately, much of the water in South Florida is in private communities, which means no fishing. Scan the map for canals near malls, industrial areas, and parks with good access and public parking. Scout maps prior to fishing so you have several spots and backup plans in case your first spots don’t pan out. For bank access, look for canals with grassy edges, sidewalks, or bridges.

5. Shorten Your Fly

Peacock bass have a tendency to short-strike flies. The best thing we have found to stop this from happening is to shorten the tail of your fly. With a knife or scissors, trim off excess material so that the hook bend is about an inch from the tail of the fly. If you continue to get short strikes, trim it more. You can also add a stinger hook if needed, but the trimming technique is a quick way to make any fly fishable.

6. Watch Water Temperatures

Peacock bass are an Amazonian fish, and they love warm water. Contrary to what most trout anglers know, the warmer the water, the better the fishing. The peacock bite typically starts to pick back up in February as spring is around the corner. That said, be careful of the occasional cold front. Even a two-day front will chill the water temperatures and make peacock bass incredibly lethargic. Ideally, bright sunny days with water temps in the 80s will produce the most active fish.