Miami's Prized Peacock Bass: Half-Day Canal Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Miami, FL
$550 - $850 price range

Summary

Ready for some fast-paced freshwater action? Join us for a half-day Peacock Bass fishing trip in South Florida's urban canals or the wild Everglades. We'll hit prime spots where these colorful fighters lurk, along with other native and exotic species. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, our light tackle approach keeps things exciting. We'll mix it up with sight casting and structure fishing, depending on where we end up. No need to bring gear – we've got you covered with rods, bait, and all the essentials. Just grab your Florida freshwater license (available online) and you're set. It's the perfect way to squeeze in some quality fishing without a long drive. Expect steady action and the chance to tangle with one of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Remember, we can't refund deposits, so come ready to fish!

Miami's Prized Peacock Bass: Half-Day Canal Trip

Battling Canal Beauties

A lone fisherman casting a line in Florida

Having fun catching Bluegill

Angler fishing for Mexican Mojarra in Miami

Mayan Cichlid

Fisherman catching Mexican Mojarra in Miami

Colorful Mayan Cichlid

First Largemouth Bass

Half-Day Peacock Bass Fishing in Miami

Ready to chase some of the most colorful and hard-fighting freshwater fish in South Florida? Our half-day Peacock Bass trips take you right into the heart of Miami's hidden fishing hotspots. Whether we're cruising the urban canal systems or venturing into the wild Everglades, you're in for a light-tackle adventure that'll keep your rod bent and your camera busy.

Trip Overview

This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing without eating up your whole day. We'll hit the water early to beat the heat and target the aggressive Peacock Bass when they're most active. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our guides are pros at getting beginners on fish, and we've got all the gear you need. Just bring your Florida freshwater license (easy to grab online), some sunscreen, and a good attitude. We'll provide the rest, including top-notch rods, reels, and the most effective baits for the day.

What to Expect on the Water

Depending on where the fish are biting, we'll either navigate Miami's intricate canal system or push into the Everglades. In the canals, you'll be sight-casting to structure and drop-offs where Peacocks love to ambush their prey. Out in the 'Glades, we might cover more water, using a mix of casting and trolling techniques. Our guides are always scanning for that telltale flash of blue and orange, signaling a Peacock on the hunt. The fishing here is fast-paced – these fish hit hard and fight even harder, so be ready for some serious action!

Top Catches This Season

Peacock Bass are the stars of the show, but they're not the only fish in town. Depending on where we fish, you might also tangle with Largemouth Bass, Snook sneaking into the freshwater, or even some of the exotic species that call South Florida home. Clown Knifefish, anyone? Our trips are catch-and-release focused, ensuring these fisheries stay healthy for years to come. But don't worry – we'll make sure you get plenty of photos to show off your catches.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about urban fishing in Miami. One minute you're casting next to high-rises and palm trees, the next you're hooked up with a fish that looks like it belongs in the Amazon. Our clients love the convenience of fishing so close to the city, combined with the excitement of targeting such a unique and beautiful species. Plus, with our experienced guides, you're not just fishing – you're learning techniques and gaining insights that'll make you a better angler, no matter where you wet a line.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Peacock Bass: These aren't your average bass. Native to the Amazon, Peacock Bass were introduced to South Florida in the 1980s to control other invasive species. They've thrived here, growing up to 7-8 pounds in our waters. Known for their stunning colors – vibrant blues, oranges, and greens – Peacocks are ambush predators that explode on topwater lures and fight like crazy. They're most active in the warmer months, but we catch them year-round in Miami.

Largemouth Bass: While not as flashy as their Peacock cousins, Florida-strain Largemouth are nothing to sneeze at. These fish grow big in our warm waters and offer a great change of pace when targeting structure or fishing deeper holes. They respond well to a variety of techniques, from soft plastics to crankbaits.

Snook: Though primarily a saltwater species, Snook often venture far up into freshwater systems, especially in cooler months. Catching one of these sleek predators on bass gear is always a thrill. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a favorite among light-tackle anglers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Peacock Bass to your species list or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the best urban fishing in the country, our half-day trips offer the perfect mix of convenience and excitement. With Miami's year-round fishing season, there's never a bad time to get out on the water. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Grab your hat, bring your sense of adventure, and let's go chase some of the most beautiful bass you'll ever catch – right in the heart of Miami!

Learn more about the animal

Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris) Description

The Peacock Bass has a slanting forehead with an elongated body and a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw. Its body and fins are a mix of yellows, greens, light red, and orange and will vary with each individual. Normally, they're olive-green on the back gradually fading to a yellow-orange or even white towards the underside.

The common characteristic this fish will share is three vertical black lines along its sides, which fade as it matures. They may have several dark splotches on their sides, and larger adults may have a yellow-orange stripe from their snout to the base of the tail. They have a black spot or ocellus with a yellow or silver border on their rounded caudal fin which resembles a peacock’s feathers.

The Peacock Bass is not related to any other bass and is only similar in size and shape to the American largemouth bass.

Diet and Size

The Peacock Bass grows fast and can reach an average length of 12-14 inches in less than 2 years. The largest unofficial record of this fish is 35 inches.

The Peacock Bass is predatory and will feed on almost any other fish, but prefers tilapia, oscar, crayfish, tadpoles, mosquitofish, minnows, and guppies.

Its speed and large mouth lead them to be successful hunters. They feed during the day. Ideally, it can add up to 1.5 pounds in weight for every extra inch it grows. This fish typically lives up to 6-10 years of age.

Interesting Facts

It was introduced to Florida in 1984 to manage the populations of tilapia and oscar from northeastern South America.
A majority of adults grow a prominent nuchal hump on their foreheads
Physical characteristics vary depending on their location
Its colors intensify during spawning seasons
It is known as a “freshwater bully” because of its aggressiveness

Spawning

The Peacock Bass spawns between April to September, with a peak in May and June. Adults will create a spawn location near the shore, usually a hardened flat surface for the eggs to be laid. Both parents will protect the young from predators and will move the larvae with their mouths to shallow depressions in sediment or rocky structures.

Habitat & Distribution

This freshwater fish prefers warmer waters with slower currents such as lakes, ponds, creeks, and

canals. Shaded areas under trees and bridges are also favorite habitats. It cannot survive in waters with high or in temperatures below 60 degrees.

You will basically only find these fish in Florida and the farther south you go, the better. The Peacock Bass is found in Florida and they are abundant in the 330 miles of canals in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch a Peacock Bass

They are caught by anglers casting from the shoreline, trolling, or still fishing.

Fishing for Peacock Bass uses the same techniques you would use for largemouth bass, except it doesn’t like plastic worms. Light spinning and bait-casting tackle with a 12-15lb test is a common rig to use.

One way to catch their attention is using live golden shiners, aptly nicknamed “peacock shiners” because of their effectiveness, but some anglers prefer casting lures. Using topwater jigs, spoons or crankbaits have proved to be effective. If fly fishing is preferred, go with large streamers such as marabou.

Rocky, shaded areas such as bridges, and spots with aquatic plants, fallen trees, canal ends, and intersections are preferred habitats of this fish. Daylight is the best time to catch this fish when they are out hunting and larger individuals are caught during peak seasons in March to June and September to December.

About the Phantom 161

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 50

Picture yourself gliding through Miami's winding canal systems or the wild expanses of the Everglades on a sleek, purpose-built fishing boat. This nimble vessel is designed to navigate both open waters and tight spots where the big fish hide. With a stable platform and ample deck space, you'll have plenty of room to cast your line and reel in those prized Peacock Bass. The boat comes equipped with all the latest fishing tech - from fish finders to trolling motors - to give you the edge. There's comfortable seating for you and a buddy, plus your expert guide, and plenty of cooler space to keep your catch fresh. Whether you're sight-casting in shallow waters or working deeper structures, this boat provides the perfect mobile base for your half-day fishing adventure in South Florida's freshwater playgrounds.

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