This spring the Florida peacock fishing has been hot.  Many are catching them on hard jerkbaits, and other top water baits fished fast.  I have been catch with plastics baits as long as the retrieve is an erotic movement and fished fast.  The Zoom Super Fluke is especially good.  They are the pitbulls of the freshwater world, with long runs aerobatic jumps, and reversal of direction with more jumps.  You will know immediately it’s not a black bass taking your bait.  They are so much fun when hooked up, and they don't stop when you lip them.  There is nothing I would rather catch then a big Peacock!

Curious as to what size they are growing to in Florida?

Bucket list for me is to visit the Amazon and go Peacock

fishing for monsters. But Florida may be more realistic

with finances these days.... ?

 

In Florida they have been caught up to 9 pounds.  In South American a different variety can go 24 pounds.  These were released by the state to control other exotics that were taking over like Oscars.  Tests were done by the state to test their effect on black bass before release.  What a fun catch.  Cold weather cull the population every few years.  They can not survive above the Palm Beaches  because of this.

On 4/12/2023 at 10:20 PM, Darren. said:

Curious as to what size they are growing to in Florida?

Bucket list for me is to visit the Amazon and go Peacock

fishing for monsters. But Florida may be more realistic

with finances these days.... ?

 

FL record is a little over 9lbs, but a 4lb fish is a very nice one. Definitely not the Amazon, but the accessibility is about as easy as it gets and if you hire a guide you will likely get good numbers too.  

On 7/6/2023 at 12:05 PM, Seaworthy81 said:

FL record is a little over 9lbs, but a 4lb fish is a very nice one. Definitely not the Amazon, but the accessibility is about as easy as it gets and if you hire a guide you will likely get good numbers too.  

I'd take a 4 or 9 pound peacock! Just for the fight alone!

The 1-2lbers are a hoot on the right tackle too!