West Palm Beach should already be on your radar as a great Bass fishing destination. The town’s freshwater canals are full of huge Peacock Bass, and the sheer amount of water in town means you are never more than a short walk from a decent fishing spot. These hard-striking acrobats drive light tackle and fly anglers wild and if you want to catch one, this is the only place in the country you can do so. It’s not just Peacock Bass here, either, Largemouth Bass share many of the same fishing grounds, making for even more productive fishing
What can I expect from a Bass fishing trip?
The best Bass fishing West Palm Beach offers is right here in the city itself. Many local fishing guides specialize in “exotic species trips”, targeting a range of non-native fish, including Peacock Bass, Snakehead, and Clown Knife Fish. Trips can on kayaks or even on foot, as the waters you’ll be fishing in are sometimes inaccessible or too narrow to navigate by boat.
If you prefer to fish in open water or don’t like the idea of walking all day (and really, who does?) there are plenty of small bass or flats boats which can take you around West Palm Beach’s freshwater lakes. The Bass grow really big here. And they are also a beautiful place to spend the day. Still not enough? Lake Okeechobee's just a short drive away and offers some of the best Bass fishing in the world!
How much will it cost?
Another great thing about West Palm Beach Bass trips is that they cost a lot less than you’d think. Freshwater fishing charters can be under $300 for a half day, and on-foot charters can be even less. Full day trips are rare, but when you find them they’re usually around the $500 mark.
Fishing Techniques
The best ways to target Peacock Bass are with light spinning or fly gear. Conventional anglers will get the best results with live Shiners. Live bait isn’t always an option, though, so spoons, crankbaits, and topwater plugs are a good alternative when fishing on the move. As for fly fishing, 5 to 7-weight rods with simple streamers in natural colors are all you need to get big Butterfly Bass biting.
Need to Know
Freshwater fishing licenses are required for anyone aged 16 or over. You can get these online ahead of your trip or pick one up at any local tackle shop when you arrive. If you’re traveling light, you’ll be pleased to hear that fly fishing gear comes as standard with most freshwater fishing charters. If you want the best equipment available, there are several fly fishing specialists operating in the West Palm Beach area.
