In 1984 the Florida Wildlife Commission of Florida introduced the Butterfly Peacock Bass to the South Florida canal system with the thought of the bass taking control on the other exotic species already present in the system. After 3 years the Peacock Bass did help with the other exotics, but also flourished to become a staple in the South Florida canal systems.
Kayak fishing for these fish is a great way to get access to areas that boats cannot. With the kayak you are able to pull up to almost any section of a canal system and drop right into the best spot before anyone else. Peacock Bass love to hang around structure like bridges and docks. Targeting these locations will sure lead to a hook up. The best bet to landing a few fish is using live bait like shiners. Artificial baits like rattle traps, jerk baits and poppers are also a great way to catch a few. The average size Bass is two to four pounds, but larger ones up to 7 pounds are available.
Peacock Bass are not the only thing you will find lurking in these canal systems. The Clown Knifefish is another non-native species that is highly sought after. These fish were illegally released into the canal systems by residents that didn’t want them in their aquariums anymore. Just like the Bass these fish have thrived in their wild new home. Clowns are best caught on live bait, but a true trophy is when one is taken on artificial. Trolling rattle traps is a great way to pick one up while kayak fishing.
Kayak fishing for Peacock Bass in South Florida is a great experience that can only be done in this area of the country. There are plenty of fish of all different species to be caught. Get out there and knock a new species off your bucket list.
