The royal peacock bass (Cichla intermedia) and the butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) are the 2 most recognized and popular of this bass species. Prized by anglers around the world for not only their tenacious fighting abilities but also as table fare. These fish originated in the Amazon in South America but can be found in other places as well.

These bass will usually have 3 dark vertical stripes on each side with a tail that has a spot that looks like the eye on a peacocks tail. The can be a dark green on the upper back fading to a lighter green with bright orange or red along the belly and fins.

During the years 1984 to 1987, these fish were introduced to the warm waters of Florida right here in the United States. Currently only 2 counties have self-sustaining peacock bass stocks and they are the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The arrival of the peacock bass to these counties has brought in an estimated 5 million dollars annually in economic benefits.

If you are visiting the part of South Florida that has peacock bass, fish for them in the canals – they are everywhere. A few of them are Pompano Canal, Snake Creek Canal, Black Creek Canal and Snapper Canal. If you are new to the area, try hiring a guide, as this will help you to not only find a good location, but actually catch some of these good fighting fish. Prime time is during the daylight hours and look for them to be in shaded areas that offer some cover. They will attack most largemouth bass lures with the exception of the plastic worms.

Of course, a planned fishing trip to the Amazon is a bass fisherman’s dream. Make sure you arrange your trip with a reputable outfit and be sure to follow their advice on what time of year to come and also what tackle and items to bring. First and foremost, you need to bring a valid passport and a Brazilian tourist visa. You will also need to have on hand some malaria pills, insect repellent and of course, sunscreen. The cost of this kind of trip will vary but it probably will be under $4000.00 (airfare not included) per person for 6 full days of fishing. You’ll be paired with another fisherman and a local guide. Typically, food and lodging plus getting from and to the airport is included.

You will have the opportunity to catch many peacock bass with the possibility of landing a really big one of 20 pounds or more. Most likely, you’ll be throwing huge top water peacock bass lures that are so big they look ridiculous! The lures will average between 6” and 7” long and you’ll need a heavy duty rod and reel to cast them and to fight the fish. Be sure to be in good physical shape before your trip because fishing for these peacock bass will be extremely tiring! And of course, have your camera ready at all times to take the picture of your trophy fish.