Headed to south Florida this week for a mahi fishing trip. Figured I would try for some peacock bass in the canals while I was there. Anyone have any experience catching them? Would love some tips.

I was there 3 years ago and didn't cacth any but would like to . I'll be watching this.

Those would be blast i think. Are those technically an invasive?

Peacocks were originally from south America. Of course every exotic seems to be released in Florida at some point. All the fishing shows I've seen, they're pretty aggressive fish... just a matter of finding them.

I haven't heard of them in Fla but rather S. America. I have caught Oscar's here in the Everglades. Not a big fish but good fighters.

I think they were purposely brought here, but yes. Can be found in small area of the South East around Miami. Always wanted to catch one in the Amazon, but Florida will have to do.

Are there a few canals that have both peacock bass and snakehead

Snakehead would be nice to catch, but was never on my list.

Peacocks are not hard to catch, they are very aggressive and about every canal down there has them. Fish around structure, they like rocks, and look for the openings on pipes in the canals, where they can ambush prey. I use pretty light stuff for them, 5 foot ultra-light with 4 pound test. You can use live bait, or small jigs and spinners, and the small floating Rapala's work well. I fish mostly from Homestead over to Ochopee, and up to Naples area along Alligator Alley. You will certainly catch an assortment of fish, I get Oscars, Tilapia, and a bunch of Mayan cichlids, plus many fish I don't have a clue what they are, even after growing up there. I usually fish Jan-Feb. which is the time water is low, right now the water is higher and the fish might be dispersed more. We just find a bridge over, or along the canals, pull over and make some cast's, and then head for the next one. Almost every bridge that has rocks under it will have a bunch of Iguana's now it seems also. Good luck, you should have a great time.

Thank you!

Well, I caught snook, largemouth bass, and Mayan cichlids, but no peacock. I saw some kids catch one, but no luck for me. I did catch a bunch of mahi mahi, a barracuda, and a beautiful sailfish on my charter though.

How far out I see land in back ground I'm going in a month. I be on the golf side.. Nice catches.

We trolled around 2 and 3 miles out. Came in closer to find some tuna, but couldn't locate any.

Lol yes it has been.

Never heard them called mahi mahi by the locals. It is dolphin either bull or chicken dolphin. I know they go by several names around the world though.

Back in Florida, so I tried for some peacock bass again using live bait. It paid off!