Peacock bass Help

[Snowman]

My son (8years old) and I are heading down to Homestead, Fl for the Indy Race the 24th of this month. We are staying just off 75 (where it turns west to head through alligator alley.
My son is an avid fisherman and he has read about peacock bass and really wants to catch one in the worst way. Not being from the area i have absolutely no idea where to go. I have searched the posts here and see people talk about lakes and canals in residentail communities.
Not wanting to venture in housing development but is there anything out by the area we are staying in? The more specific the better on directions where to head/park the better.
I appreciate it in advance.

[adamchasejones]

Just google florida peacock bass and it'll give you the names of the canals. I was reading about it the other day. There are also some great guides that can put you on em if yer willin to shell out some dough.

[JRL]

Tamiami canal (c-4 canal) system is where the bulk of peacock activity is. Any of the branch canals should hold some peacocks.

You can find a map of it on myfwc.com

[Adebisi485]

Yeah that sound about right. Be sure to brign some heavy tackly, heavy rods, 65lb braided line.

[JRL]

Forgot to mention Ive been killing them on Super Spook Jr. (bass colored), a Silver rapala rattle trap retrieved as fast as you can walk it.

[islandflyfisher]

Originally Posted by Adebisi485

Yeah that sound about right. Be sure to brign some heavy tackly, heavy rods, 65lb braided line.

I am sorry, but you are talking about speckled peacock. Down here, we have butterfly peacock. I use 10 lb, just incase I hook a big one, or I get run into a culvert or something.

Lures:
Shad Rap - Silver/Black (my favorite)
X-Rap - Green Back
Spook Jr. - produces amazing strikes. I like the green back, and white belly.
Rattle trap - Silver with green, black or blue back


They are starting to spawn. Don't catch any fish with fry. If you see two guarding an area, either catch one or neither, because they are bedding.

The further south you go the more peacock there are, and the bigger they get. I have heard that the lake the track in Homestead is good, but you can't fish there.

Check the South Section of www.floridasportsman.com forums.

I am going to bed. If I think of anything else, I will post it later.

Good Luck and Tight Lines!