Smugglers Attempt Rafting Drugs Across Rio Grande

April 29, 2021

Spawning Run To Benefit TFFC

May 4, 2021

“Boom!”

The calm, tea-colored waters exploded, sending the Yozuri prop lure into the air.

And just as it hit the water again, the white topwater disappeared in a cyclone like swirl.

Setting the hook wasn’t an issue, as my rod immediately doubled over and the exciting sound of drag peeling (quickly) sounded.

The author with his biggest peacock bass of the day. (Photo by Todd Jurasek)

A few minutes later I landed a gorgeous peacock bass.

But this wasn’t in South America.

It was in the Florida Everglades where peacock bass have taken hold in recent years.

“Butterfly peacock bass were stocked in Miami area years ago to help deal with other exotic species like tilapia and they have made their way into the Everglades and can offer some tremendous fishing,” said our guide Capt. Dave Manack.

Tremendous fishing indeed.

Over the course of six hours me and my friend Todd Jurasek caught 59 fish while fishing with Capt. Manack.

Todd Jurasek with a big Mayan cichlid. (Photo by Chester Moore)

Around 35 of those were peacock bass but we also caught largemouth bass, oscars and the gorgeous Mayan cichlid.

All of these fish fought hard but none like the peacock bass.

I caught the Royal peacock bass in Venezuela years ago and although they grow bigger than these butterflies, the pound for pound fight ratio is no different. These fish strike like bulldogs and produce a topwater blowup unlike any other freshwater fish of comparable size.

It has been a dream of mine to catch peacocks in Florida and also fish in The Everglades. This gigantic wetlands system takes up much of south-central Florida and hosts incredible biodiversity, both exotic and native. The bass fishing alone is worth the price of admission. And this guide trip by the way was very affordable and included all fishing gear.

When your “bycatch” while peacock fishing is 3-5 pound largemouths caught on topwaters, you are in a special place.

“Bycatch” on the April 2021 trip was bass like this-caught on topwaters. Unseasonably cool weather led to super comfortable fishing conditions. (Photo by Chester Moore)

I plan on returning with my fly gear, some large poppers and expectations of an incredible time.

if you’ve ever dreamed of catching peacock bass in Florida do it.

Contact Capt. Dave Manack The Bass Fishing Musician and be ready for as much fishing action as you can handle.

To Contact Capt. Dave click here.

Chester Moore