Butterfly peacock bass are often found in drainage canals, streams and lakes. The most effective method for catching these fish is bait casting with fast retrieval of swimming plugs, topwater lures or live bait.
Habitat: Lake, Pond
How to identify Butterfly Peacock Bass
The butterfly peacock bass has a yellow-green body with three lateral blotchy markings or bars on its midsection that fade as they grow larger. They have a small “eyespot” in front of their caudal fin, which is common in this species. Their eyes have a deep-red iris. The butterfly peacock bass can weigh upwards of 11-12 lbs.
Where to catch Butterfly Peacock Bass
As natives to the tropics of South America, the butterfly peacock bass has been introduced to the U.S. in Hawaii, Florida, and Texas. Other countries stock these fish, including Guam, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Guam.
The following are habitats where you can catch Butterfly Peacock Bass:
- Cliffs and Steep Shore Banks
- Drop-offs
- Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
- Freshwater Weed Beds
- Gradual Shores
- Lake and Pond Fishing Holes
- Inlets and Outlets
- Inside Turns and Coves
- Islands or Sand Bars
- Lily Pads
- Open Water
- Overhanging Trees and Bushes
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Points and Break Lines
- Rocks
- Shoreline Shallows
- Springs Holes
- Sunken Objects
- Undercut Banks
- Walkways and Bridges
How to catch Butterfly Peacock Bass
Butterfly peacock bass are a catch and release fish. The best technique for catching butterfly peacock bass is the fast retrieval of swimming plugs, live bait and topwater lures. Peak fishing season for schooling butterfly peacock bass is during the fall. For bedding pairs, peak season occurs in the spring. Common methods for catching butterfly peacock bass include bait casting, drift fishing, spin casting and still fishing.
This fish is difficult to catch on light tackle due to it aggressiveness and heavy, widely-flattened body. Light spinners and fish-shaped surface lures are the most effective options. Butterfly peacock bass have become a trending game fish in the areas where they were introduced. The butterfly peacock bass is often found in large drainage canals, creeks and lakes. These fish are most active during the daytime during peak temperatures.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Butterfly Peacock Bass:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Butterfly Peacock Bass
Live minnows are a particularly effective bait for catching the butterfly peacock bass, though they also respond well to fish-shaped lures and light spinners.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Butterfly Peacock Bass:
