World-Class Peacock Bass Fishing in Puerto Rico

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Puerto Rico
$375 - $1,400 price range
Updated Date: August 23, 2025

Summary

Puerto Rico's lakes are home to some exciting fishing action, with both Peacock and Largemouth Bass waiting to test your skills. These waters offer a unique twist on bass fishing, as Peacocks are actually cichlids that have made themselves at home in the Caribbean. Captain Luis knows these fish and their habits, guiding you through techniques like jigging and top water casting to land these aggressive fighters. It's a great chance to try something different, blending angling challenge with the beauty of the "Isla del Encanto." Whether you're after the striking colors of a Peacock or the familiar fight of a Largemouth, this trip delivers variety in a tropical setting. Keep in mind that while Florida might be famous for Peacocks, Puerto Rico's lakes are a hidden gem for targeting these sought-after fish. The mix of skill, action, and scenery makes for a memorable day on the water, perfect for anglers looking to expand their fishing horizons.

World-Class Peacock Bass Fishing in Puerto Rico

Peacock Bass in Action

Vibrant tarpon catch in crystal-clear shallows

Massive silver tarpon boat-side

Mahi-mahi in Dorado

Two anglers with a caught fish in Dorado

amazing Peacock bass!

Reel in Peacock Bass on Puerto Rico's Lakes

Ready for a fishing adventure beyond the usual? Forget Florida—Puerto Rico's lakes are where it's at for Peacock Bass action. This quick-cast trip with Captain Luis is your ticket to hooking these feisty fighters right here in the Caribbean. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat on the "Island of Enchantment." Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for any fishing enthusiast.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're out on a pristine Puerto Rican lake, the tropical sun warming your back as you cast your line. That's what you're in for on this Peacock Bass fishing trip. Captain Luis knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish. You'll be targeting both Peacock and Largemouth Bass, giving you a shot at a mixed bag that'll make your fishing buddies back home green with envy. This isn't your average lake fishing—it's a chance to tangle with some of the most aggressive freshwater fish around, all while soaking in the beauty of Puerto Rico's lush landscapes.

Tactics and Techniques

When it comes to hooking Peacock Bass, it's all about the right approach. On this trip, you'll be using a mix of jigging and top water casting—two techniques that these fish just can't resist. Jigging is perfect for when the fish are holding deeper, while top water lures can trigger explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Captain Luis will show you the ropes, helping you perfect your cast and retrieve to maximize your chances of landing a trophy. And don't worry if you're new to these methods—by the end of the day, you'll be working those lures like a pro.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

There's something special about fishing for Peacock Bass in Puerto Rico that keeps anglers coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of the fight—these fish don't give up easily. Or perhaps it's the unique opportunity to target a species that's not native to the area but has found a perfect home in these warm waters. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure: once you've experienced the rush of a Peacock Bass hitting your lure, you'll be hooked for life. And let's not forget the bragging rights you'll earn by landing a fish that many associate only with South America or Florida.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Peacock Bass are the stars of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These colorful cichlids are known for their aggressive nature and powerful fights. In Puerto Rico, they can grow to impressive sizes, with some anglers landing fish over 5 pounds. The best part? They're active year-round in these tropical waters, so there's always a chance to catch a big one. Peacocks are ambush predators, often striking lures with incredible speed and force. They love structure, so Captain Luis will have you targeting areas near submerged logs, rocky outcroppings, and weed beds where these fish like to hide.

But don't overlook the Largemouth Bass—they're no slouches either. While they might not have the exotic appeal of their Peacock cousins, Largemouths in Puerto Rico can put up a serious fight. These fish have adapted well to the island's warm climate and can grow to impressive sizes. They're typically more active in the cooler months, from November to March, but can be caught year-round with the right tactics. Largemouths are known for their wide mouths (hence the name) which they use to inhale prey—and your lure if you play it right.

What to Expect on the Water

When you hop aboard with Captain Luis, you're in for a day of non-stop action. The lakes in Puerto Rico are a far cry from your typical fishing holes—these are tropical paradises teeming with life. You'll be casting into waters surrounded by lush vegetation, with the sounds of exotic birds providing the soundtrack to your fishing adventure. The captain will have you moving from spot to spot, targeting different structures and depths to find where the fish are biting. And because you're fishing in freshwater, you don't have to worry about seasickness—it's smooth sailing all the way.

One of the best things about this trip is its flexibility. With a guest capacity of one, you've got the captain's full attention. Whether you want to focus on perfecting your technique or just want to catch as many fish as possible, the day is tailored to your preferences. And while meals aren't included, that just means more time for fishing. Pro tip: pack some snacks and plenty of water—you'll be too busy reeling in fish to worry about a formal lunch break.

Gear and Prep

When it comes to gear, Captain Luis has got you covered. You'll be using top-notch rods and reels suited for the task at hand. Light to medium tackle is the name of the game here—heavy enough to handle the powerful runs of a big Peacock, but light enough to make every catch a thrill. As for lures, be ready to try a variety. Topwater poppers, jerkbaits, and soft plastics are all on the menu. The captain will help you choose the right lure for the conditions and the fish's mood on any given day.

As for what to bring, think practical. A hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves—the Puerto Rican sun doesn't mess around. Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a bit wet or fishy. And don't forget your camera—you'll want proof of that monster Peacock you're going to catch. Remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so check the weather and be prepared for a day on the water rain or shine.

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it on Puerto Rico's lakes lately. Just last month, a lucky fisher landed a 7-pound Peacock Bass—a true trophy by any standard. Largemouth Bass have been showing up in good numbers too, with several 5-pounders making it to the boat. But it's not just about size—the sheer number of fish being caught has been impressive. Many guests are reporting double-digit days, with some experienced anglers hitting the 20-fish mark. Of course, Captain Luis is all about sustainable fishing, so catch-and-release is encouraged to keep the fishery healthy for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to test your skills against Puerto Rico's Peacock Bass, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, this is a one-on-one experience with Captain Luis, so spots fill up fast—especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to add a new species to your list, this trip delivers. You'll come away with new skills, great memories, and maybe even a new fishing addiction. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a big one that got away. Grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you hooked on Puerto Rico's lakes. The Peacocks are waiting—are you ready to take them on?

Learn more about the specie

Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris) Description

The Peacock Bass has a slanting forehead with an elongated body and a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw. Its body and fins are a mix of yellows, greens, light red, and orange and will vary with each individual. Normally, they're olive-green on the back gradually fading to a yellow-orange or even white towards the underside.

The common characteristic this fish will share is three vertical black lines along its sides, which fade as it matures. They may have several dark splotches on their sides, and larger adults may have a yellow-orange stripe from their snout to the base of the tail. They have a black spot or ocellus with a yellow or silver border on their rounded caudal fin which resembles a peacock’s feathers.

The Peacock Bass is not related to any other bass and is only similar in size and shape to the American largemouth bass.

Diet and Size

The Peacock Bass grows fast and can reach an average length of 12-14 inches in less than 2 years. The largest unofficial record of this fish is 35 inches.

The Peacock Bass is predatory and will feed on almost any other fish, but prefers tilapia, oscar, crayfish, tadpoles, mosquitofish, minnows, and guppies.

Its speed and large mouth lead them to be successful hunters. They feed during the day. Ideally, it can add up to 1.5 pounds in weight for every extra inch it grows. This fish typically lives up to 6-10 years of age.

Interesting Facts

It was introduced to Florida in 1984 to manage the populations of tilapia and oscar from northeastern South America.
A majority of adults grow a prominent nuchal hump on their foreheads
Physical characteristics vary depending on their location
Its colors intensify during spawning seasons
It is known as a “freshwater bully” because of its aggressiveness

Spawning

The Peacock Bass spawns between April to September, with a peak in May and June. Adults will create a spawn location near the shore, usually a hardened flat surface for the eggs to be laid. Both parents will protect the young from predators and will move the larvae with their mouths to shallow depressions in sediment or rocky structures.

Habitat & Distribution

This freshwater fish prefers warmer waters with slower currents such as lakes, ponds, creeks, and

canals. Shaded areas under trees and bridges are also favorite habitats. It cannot survive in waters with high or in temperatures below 60 degrees.

You will basically only find these fish in Florida and the farther south you go, the better. The Peacock Bass is found in Florida and they are abundant in the 330 miles of canals in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch a Peacock Bass

They are caught by anglers casting from the shoreline, trolling, or still fishing.

Fishing for Peacock Bass uses the same techniques you would use for largemouth bass, except it doesn’t like plastic worms. Light spinning and bait-casting tackle with a 12-15lb test is a common rig to use.

One way to catch their attention is using live golden shiners, aptly nicknamed “peacock shiners” because of their effectiveness, but some anglers prefer casting lures. Using topwater jigs, spoons or crankbaits have proved to be effective. If fly fishing is preferred, go with large streamers such as marabou.

Rocky, shaded areas such as bridges, and spots with aquatic plants, fallen trees, canal ends, and intersections are preferred habitats of this fish. Daylight is the best time to catch this fish when they are out hunting and larger individuals are caught during peak seasons in March to June and September to December.

About the Ambus

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 30

Ready for some fun fishing in Puerto Rico? Captain Luis knows just where to find the feisty Peacock Bass in the island's lakes. These colorful fish may look pretty, but they put up quite a fight! You'll use techniques like jigging and top water casting to try and land both Peacock and Largemouth Bass. It's a great chance to test your skills and enjoy the beautiful Puerto Rican scenery at the same time. Perfect for anglers wanting to try something a bit different from the usual fishing trip. Just remember, Peacock Bass aren't true bass - they're actually cichlids originally from South America. Now they thrive in warm waters across the Caribbean and southeastern U.S. Come see why fishing for these aggressive fish has become so popular! Just keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so check the Trips & Rates page for details before booking.

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