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PEACOCK BASS HABITS AND ANGLING HINTS:
Peacock bass are important predators in the waters they occupy, to the
extent that they can change the ecological balance of an aquatic system.
For the north American bass fisherman, almost every inch of water in the
Amazon tributaries we visit looks like it should hold fish. In reality,
finding fish is more complicated. Ever-changing conditions such as
water temperature, oxygen content, ionic concentration, water level, current
speed, water clarity, food availability and spawning cycles
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Peacock bass attracting structure abounds in
the Amazon basin.
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all play an important role in where peacocks might be at any given moment.
Cichla temensis tends to prefer to remain in lentic (still) water
if water conditions will permit. As water levels come out of the
flooded forests, peacocks become concentrated in lagoons and back-waters
off the moving water of the main channel of the river.
Like largemouth bass, peacocks often prefer 'structure'
of some sort. Rocks, fallen logs, points and sand bars are where
peacocks will usually be lurking. Larger peacocks, however, may often
be found feeding or baby-sitting in open water, so it is wise to heed your
guide's recommendations on where to cast. If there are dolphin
or other large predators in the area, peacocks will tend to hold tightly
to structure. Make sure to cover productive water as |
thoroughly as possible. Sometimes, the difference of a few inches
in your cast can be the difference between an immediate strike or complete
disinterest. During spawning periods, peacocks vacate 'structure' and nest
on sandy bottoms in three to six feet of water.
Peacocks often roam about in small schools hunting baitfish, periodically
bursting into a frothing feeding frenzy. When this situation is encountered,
get your lure or fly in front of feeding fish as quickly as possible. This
may sound easy, but the peacocks tend to move fast as they tear through
the baitfish. The sooner you can cast to them after they've been spotted
feeding, the better your chance of a hookup. Peacocks are greedy
and highly competitive when in a group. Always cast a free lure or
fly right next to any hooked fish (unless your partner is hooked up to
a giant, when it's best to reel in and get out of the way). Another
peacock will almost always be close by (often attracted by the commotion).
If no strikes result,probe the surrounding area thoroughly before moving
on.
During periods of hot, dry weather, high water temperatures
combined with low oxygen levels may force the peacocks out of the lagoons
and into the main channel of the river. Here, they will tend to locate
themselves around rock piles, bushes, sand bars, points, and log jams,
which offer both protection and ready access to hunting grounds. The mouths
of lagoons are often extremely productive also.
Techniques
Set the hook - in the fish. First time peacock
anglers, when fishing topwater lures, instinctively react to the startling
strike of a peacock by triggering a hook set, even though the peacock may
not actually have it . Often peacocks will swirl at or slap a lure
and then come back around and firmly grab it on the second pass.
It's hard to remember at first, but don't reflexively set the hook or jerk
the lure away on the strike. Wait until you feel the fish's weight, then
set the hook, hard. Big peacocks have tough mouths. Don't be fooled
into thinking you are hooked up just because a fish is taking line.
Even if not hooked, they'll often hold on to a lure or fly and run for
quite some time before spitting it out.
If the fish doesn't actually take the lure on the
first strike, keep it moving. Peacocks will almost always lose interest
in a lure or fly that just sits on the surface. If you continue to
patiently work it however, the fish will often come up and hit the lure
a second or even a third time, sometimes following it right to the boat..
If they do lose interest, quickly cast a jig or subsurface lure or fly
in the immediate area. This often elicits another strike.
Never try and 'horse' a big peacock; Don't
underestimate its power. Even moderately-large peacock bass are powerful
enough to break heavy line, pull screws out of plugs, straighten saltwater
hooks, and mutilate snap rings. If a big fish is headed for structure,
apply side pressure to the rod trying to 'steer' the fish in another
direction. If you crank your drag down too tight, they'll almost
always snap the line, or pull off. If a fish does make it into cover,
don't give up. Back off on the pressure, drift over the fish and
wait for the boat to spook the fish out of its hiding place -- they'll
often untangle themselves. If your drag is set too tight when they
bolt, a break off is usually inevitable. Even when a fish comes to
the boat, never assume it's ready to give up. Always keep a properly
set drag to absorb a last minute run.
Like all fishing, lure and fly selection can be
a complicated matter due to variable fishing conditions. Water clarity,
weather, brightness, and time of day will all dictate what type of lure
or fly you should choose. Some argue that lure size is essential.
Usually you will catch more fish with jigs, smaller lures or flies, although
a high percentage of trophy peacocks are caught on larger baits.
Lure or fly color doesn't seem to be as important as lure shade.
If it's bright out, use a light-colored lure or fly. Dark shades
can be more productive in low light conditions. For more information
see our Peacock Primer - Part II
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us,
toll-free or E-mail us.
Thanks for fishing with Acute Angling!
Paul Reiss:
- (866) 832-2987 - E-Mail Paul Reiss
Garry Reiss
- (866) 431-1668 - E-Mail Garry Reiss
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