Ever wonder how I come up with topics for this fishing blog? This writing, for example, came about after I realized that one of the most asked questions when at the stores was regarding Peacock Bass and how to best catch them. So, in researching facts, I realized that the Peacock Bass is actually from the cichlid family… it’s not a bass at all. Go figure!
I tapped into my personal experiences and those of Captain Rene Martinez, owner of Fishing Freak Charters. Rene has been mentioned in the past due to his diverse knowledge of our local waters, and this includes Peacock Bass, which he also guides clients to. So, the Peacock Bass, or “Peas” as they are called, are voracious, cannibalistic and aggressive feeders. Once considered invasive, they are now a great, bonified freshwater game fish sought by many. The challenge most folks encounter is fishing them as they would the Largemouth Bass, and the methods are different, as you’ll read below.
First and most likely, the most productive method would be live bait, and when it comes to freshwater, it’s the shiner. It is the easiest to acquire, most straightforward and very effective. The best practices are to free-line them near cover and let them do their job in attracting the “Peas.” The second method is to let them swim under a bobber. This allows you some control and keeps them from diving too deep. Either is equally effective! Finish your leader with a 2/0 or 3/0 light circle hook of your choosing, and remember, simply go tight for best results. No Bassmaster hook sets; some of you know what I mean.
Most of us rely on artificials, and this is where it gets interesting. Peas, as mentioned, are cannibals and eat their young out of an instinct of pure self-preservation. On that note, lures that mimic their look, such as Fire Tiger patterns, are excellent. In lieu of that, chartreuse comes to mind, as well as a shiny gold finish. Additionally, as with most fishing, anything that matches local bait patterns and is loud or flashy will help tempt them.
Keep in mind, and this is crucial, in order to capitalize on their aggression, one must keep an aggressive action with those lures. Keep them moving and keep them active. Any pause will cause an immediate lack of interest, and that bass will turn away.
Topwater lures: we all know that Bass strikes on topwater are explosive. Traditional walk-the-dog lures as the Skitter Walk work. More so, dedicated freshwater lures such as the Jitterbug and Devil’s Horse (I love those names) have been slaying Bass for decades.
Sub surface: hard jerk baits of all types can be productive. As with any hard bait, a subsurface walk-the-dog action is deadly. Remember, though, to refrain from pausing – keep them moving. Another favorite are the Rattle Traps or lipless crankbaits. The action on these as you retrieve them is an undeniable producer, with aggressive and constant vibration. Going back to color patterns on both top water and subsurface, it’s fine to match the hatch as we say, BUT, lean more towards the gaudy, shiny, loud patterns for best results.
Quick note: These lures and techniques are equally productive from shore and on a boat, so keep things simple, folks. In previous writings, I’ve called Bass “the gateway drug” because it’s where most of us got our start with this addiction. Well, now with the Peacock Bass thrown into the mix… it just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?!!
I hope this write-up helped some of you or opened up a brand-new species for some. Take the kids out, give the “Peas” a try and let me know how it goes. Be safe, and have a great 2025.
About the Author
Joe Garcia is the Brand Fishing Ambassador at Sunshine Ace Hardware.
Contact Joe for information on the hottest new fishing gear in stock, local fishing tips and more: JGarcia@SunshineAce.com.