Thought I posted this last year and went to go look up my thread but its no where in my history, so here we are.

 

Thinking of making a trip to FL for some peacock bass and was wondering when/where would be the best times in FL (not aware of them in any other states on the east).

Im away from home right now, I’m scared this cold blast wiped out my favorite shallow spots so I can’t give you any up to the moment tips. Generally speaking any freshwater from Palm Beach south will have them. Popular areas are Lake Osborn/Ida chain, Everglades, Miami Lakes and canals, but they are all over. Finding bigger ones is more difficult but finding peas is relatively easy, you’d have a harder time finding places that didn’t have them. A lot of people fish them with live shiners, but I find lures more challenging and rewarding. The warmer it is the better. I’ve had my best fishing for them in October/November but anytime from April-November should be fine and even the off months can be good if it’s warm, which it is frequently. April-June is typically the spawn so you will see them bedded up and protective of fry. It’s the easiest time to find them and they are easy to catch because they will hit anything that gets close to the bed but I prefer to leave them be that time of year. 
 

Are you looking to get a guide or just get a rental car and explore on your own? 

On 12/30/2022 at 11:54 AM, Seaworthy81 said:

 

Are you looking to get a guide or just get a rental car and explore on your own? 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Depending on where it is I was planning on driving down (from eastern NC) with my boat (tracker 175 if I still have it by then). I'd entertain a guide but dont feel compelled to find one just yet.

 

My goal would be to use all artificial, not really a fan of live bait. I'm not against it, just not really my cup of tea. 

 

If you had to target one of those locations you listed for 2 or so days of fishing (will split up the trip with some LMB spots) and time of year, where/when would you go?

Spring is primetime just after the spawn, but they are active all year as long as its warm enough. 

 

Your boat would be great for Lake Ida (and connected waterways) and also the everglades. I'm less familiar with the Miami canals but there are definitely some that are boatable with your style boat too. I'm sure others have other ideas for other boatable places too. 

 

As far as bait vs artificials, I'm on the same page as you. About 90% of the time I'm fishing a small hardbait, my favorite for the shallow canals I fish is the yozuri 3DS 70mm minnow, but you might need something deeper running for the lakes like a lipless crank or deeper jerkbait. Small plastics like flukes and paddle tails can work great at times too. I find they really like small and erratic lures, especially stop and go style things for me personally, especially when its hot.