Florida Peacock Bass Fishing Charters

Florida Peacock Bass Fishing Charters

Top Florida Peacock Bass Fishing Destinations

Best Peacock Bass Fishing Charters in Florida

Florida: 64 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(230 reviews)
Marathon
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $800
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(20 reviews)
West Palm Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $275
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(42 reviews)
Lake Worth Corridor
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $100
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(78 reviews)
Delray Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250

Peacock Bass Fishing in Florida

Peacock Bass
  • Size 6 to 15lbs
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats River, Lake

(Cichla)

Over the past couple of decades, the Peacock Bass fishing Florida has to offer has become incredibly popular, and it’s hardly a surprise. Up until the mid 1980’s, going after this colorful fighter was only possible in South America. Then they were introduced to the canals of South Florida, and the rest is history.
 
Anglers who've had the chance to come face-to-gills with Butterfly Peacock Bass will confirm that they are fierce and acrobatic fighters, which makes them very fun to catch. Witnessing the jumps of these aggressive feeders is a sight to behold and makes the whole experience memorable.

When to Go

One of the main advantages of Peacock Bass fishing is that it’s available year round. The average size of these beauties is around 2 pounds, though you can find 5 lb lunkers during the high season, from February to June.
 
During the summer, the bite will subside a bit, but will pick up again by the end of September. You can expect decent action until December, especially because the Peacock start spawning in November and become even more aggressive.
 
This is a great opportunity to land massive fish that weigh anywhere from 5–7 pounds. In the winter, the fish are hiding in deeper waters, under ledges and rocks, to stay warm. During the summer, they move more freely, and you can catch them in the shallower and open waters.
 
Unless you’re a local who knows exactly where to go, hiring a guide to show you the way to your catch is a good idea. There are captains in South Florida who specialize in targeting Peacock Bass and you can book a day on the water with them without breaking the bank.
 
There are half day trips available for around $275 for a group of 4 people and these are a great option if you’ve got 3–4 hours to spend on the water. If you’re in the mood for longer expeditions, the prices for a full day trip are in the $550 range. You can book specialized Peacock Bass excursions, or opt in for a mixed bag of catch and target other inshore favorites like Snook, other Bass species, and Tarpon.

What to Expect

When you see a blur of vivid colors looking for food in the clear waters, there’s no mistake, you’re on the trail of Peacock Bass. Few fish are as beautiful and colorful as this guy, and few will give you that much of a show before you get them into the boat.
 
Peacock Bass love warm temperatures and are unable to survive in water below 60ºF. That being said, they also like to stay out of the direct sun and you’ll find them around underwater structures and other shaded areas. That means you can cast your line around bridge pylons, big rocks, and deep drop offs and get bite after bite.
 
Because Peacock Bass are voracious and incredibly aggressive, live bait works wonders to attract them to your hook. The most productive choice are golden shiners (about 3 inches long), which are also called “Peacock shiners” in South Florida. Fly fishing for Peacock Bass is also very popular in this area and is a thrill of local fly rodders. If you prefer artificial lures, crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits work like a charm.
 
You’ll want to use light lines and lures in natural colors to get the Peacock to bite. Bear in mind that bigger bait will attract bigger fish, but smaller bait is more productive (though the catch will be smaller, too).
 
Pro tip – when the fins of the fish are completely dark that means they’re paired up and there’s a solid chance you’ll get a double hookup and catch both male and female if you act fast.

Where to Go

The stretch of over 300 miles from Palm Beach County to Key Largo is the home of Peacock Bass. The countless canals in Broward and Dade counties are their playground and this fishery is as prolific as it is sustainable.
 
Some of the best spots to target these bad boys are Snapper Creek Canal on the border of Kendall and Miami. Snake Creek is another Bass treasure trove. Other cities in South Florida like Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando are also known for their excellent Peacock Bass action.

How to Prepare

The Peacock Bass fishing Florida boasts doesn’t need a lot of preparation. When you go fishing with a charter captain, you’ll have quality fishing equipment on the boat, and you’re welcome to bring your own as well. What you’ll need to bring are a valid Florida freshwater fishing license, drinks, food, sun protection, and good fishing company. If you’d like to chase something exotic without traveling thousands of miles, then Peacock Bass is definitely worth your time.
 

Florida Peacock Bass Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Peacock Bass fishing in Florida varies moderately throughout the year. High season is May to July. Low season is January to February and October to December. There is no closed season.
Florida
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Peacock Bass Fishing in Florida

Weather didnโ€™t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather didnโ€™t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!
Jewel Of The Bay Charters
Jewel Of The Bay Charters
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
We caught some great fish despite it being a very windy dayโ€”everyone on board left satisfied!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We caught some great fish despite it being a very windy dayโ€”everyone on board left satisfied!
A Horizon Fishing Charters โ€“ย Lake Toho
A Horizon Fishing Charters โ€“ย Lake Toho
Was a perfect day and we had so much fun. Even saw sunken boats from the hurricane. He pointed out so much interesting stuff to us!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Was a perfect day and we had so much fun. Even saw sunken boats from the hurricane. He pointed out so much interesting stuff to us!
Bowditch Point Charters
Bowditch Point Charters
Bring a wet proof wind breaker , and old towel for wiping your hands. A good attitude b/c you will lose some fish and share the boat and the captain services with others. Sunscreen for epiderma protection is a must!
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Bring a wet proof wind breaker , and old towel for wiping your hands. A good attitude b/c you will lose some fish and share the boat and the captain services with others. Sunscreen for epiderma protection is a must!
Ami Excursions
Ami Excursions
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
If you are fishing in the morning, especially in March, make sure to dress appropriately (pants, jacket, etc). We used a waterproof case for our phones so we could take videos and pics quickly and didn't have to worry about getting phone wet. And most importantly, Jack knows what he is doing so just relax and enjoy the fishing time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are fishing in the morning, especially in March, make sure to dress appropriately (pants, jacket, etc). We used a waterproof case for our phones so we could take videos and pics quickly and didn't have to worry about getting phone wet. And most importantly, Jack knows what he is doing so just relax and enjoy the fishing time!
Captain Jackโ€™s Fishing Charters
Captain Jackโ€™s Fishing Charters
Today the gulf was a little rough but got better as the day progressed. Wish the redfish were biting butโ€ฆthatโ€™s fishing.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Today the gulf was a little rough but got better as the day progressed. Wish the redfish were biting butโ€ฆthatโ€™s fishing.
Local Slayer โ€“ 30'
Local Slayer โ€“ 30'
Donโ€™t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.
Captain Andy's Salty Adventures
Captain Andy's Salty Adventures
It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyoneโ€™s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyoneโ€™s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.
Bait-N-Bite
Bait-N-Bite
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
I believe itโ€™s not the best time of year for fishing in Destin but we still caught lots of fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I believe itโ€™s not the best time of year for fishing in Destin but we still caught lots of fish
850 Chartersโ€”Capt. Jared
850 Chartersโ€”Capt. Jared
Spring time you need to get a charter boat for sure and get on the sheepshead. Very tough fish to catch but lot of fun when you get ahold of one.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Spring time you need to get a charter boat for sure and get on the sheepshead. Very tough fish to catch but lot of fun when you get ahold of one.
Emerald
Emerald "C" Fishing Charters
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
The day we went out was after a full moon so the biting was a bit slow but the captain was knowledgeable about the reefs and types of fishing and we still managed to get a fair few bites. Reccomend calling and asking about conditions and if itโ€™s a good time to go out.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The day we went out was after a full moon so the biting was a bit slow but the captain was knowledgeable about the reefs and types of fishing and we still managed to get a fair few bites. Reccomend calling and asking about conditions and if itโ€™s a good time to go out.
Reel E Sea Charters
Reel E Sea Charters
Just be prepared for anything. No guarantee as to what or how much you will catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just be prepared for anything. No guarantee as to what or how much you will catch.
Capt Charlies Fishing Charters
Capt Charlies Fishing Charters
Definitely watch the weather! It was windy so we didnโ€™t get on all the big fish we wanted but still a great time and memory we wonโ€™t forget
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely watch the weather! It was windy so we didnโ€™t get on all the big fish we wanted but still a great time and memory we wonโ€™t forget
Rodbender Fishing Charters
Rodbender Fishing Charters
My trip happened when there was unseasonably cold weather and a string of storms the previous week that dropped the water temperatures. I would recommend that anglers not have unrealistic expectations that they will go out and catch dozens of big fish. If that happens consider yourself lucky. Focus on having a great time, learn from the guide and remember that sometimes the weather and fish don't cooperate, that's not the guide's fault.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
My trip happened when there was unseasonably cold weather and a string of storms the previous week that dropped the water temperatures. I would recommend that anglers not have unrealistic expectations that they will go out and catch dozens of big fish. If that happens consider yourself lucky. Focus on having a great time, learn from the guide and remember that sometimes the weather and fish don't cooperate, that's not the guide's fault.
RocketCity Charters โ€“ Cocoa Beach
RocketCity Charters โ€“ Cocoa Beach