Butterfly Peacock Bass

Of all the peacock basses, the butterfly peacock has the greatest variation in color.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A BUTTERFLY PEACOCK BASS

They are yellowish green, with three dark, yellow-fringed blotches along the lateral midsection, or bars that typically fade in fish larger than three or four pounds. A small “eyespot”, characteristic of all peacock bass, appears at the beginning of the caudal fin. The iris of the eye is frequently deep reddish in color. They are also distinguished by the absence of black markings on the opercula. This species is believed to attain weights of 11 to 12 pounds.

WHERE TO CATCH BUTTERFLY PEACOCK BASS

The butterfly peacock is native to tropical South America but was introduced to Hawaii in 1957 and later to Florida and Texas in the mid 1980’s. It has also been stocked in many other locations including Puerto Rico, Panama, Kenya, Guam and the Dominican Republic. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

Cliffs and Steep shore Banks               Freshwater Lakes and Ponds              Gradual Shores

Holes                                                   Inlets and Outlets                                Inside turns and Coves

Islands and Sand bars                                     Lilly pads                                             Open Water

Overhanging Trees and Bushes                      Piers, Docks and pilings                                  Points and break lines

Rocks                                                   Drop-Offs                                            Shoreline Shallows

Spring Holes                                        Sunken objects                                                Undercuts

Walkway and bridges                         Freshwater Weeds Beds

 

HOW TO CATCH BUTTERFLY PEACOCK BASS

The butterfly peacock’s powerful, laterally compressed body and aggressive temperament make it pound for pound one of the hardest fish to handle on light tackle, but because of the size, light spinning lures and surface lures that resemble small fish are highly effective. The butterfly peacock has rapidly become one of the most popular game fish in areas where it has been introduced. Anglers also enjoy the peacock bass because of its tendency to seldom bite at night or early morning. This fish prefers to feed in broad daylight when temperatures are at their peak. The peacock bass is more than just a fighter with its beautiful coloration and serves as excellent table fare although most fish of this species are released. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

Drift Fishing                                         Fly Fishing                               Trolling

Bait Casting                                         Still Fishing                              Spin Casting

 

 

BUTTERFLY PEACOCK BASS LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

Jigs                                                      Minnows                                 Plugs

Spinner baits                                       Spoons