About Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass is a generalized name for the large bass-like gamefish native to tropical South America. Actually a subspecies of the family Cichlidae, Cichlids are a diverse family of tropical fishes found throughout Africa and South America, some of which are popular for aquariums. There are countless color variations throughout their range, but only three recognized species of peacock bass, two of which are found in Brazil. Tucunare is the common name for all species in Brazil and Peru, while other Spanish speaking countries use the term pavon. The largest of the three species is the peacock tucunare (Cichla temensis), better known as azul or paca, with an average weight of six or seven pounds. Ten to fifteen pound peacock bass are common, and twenty-plus pounders are hooked weekly. This fish has a mottled black patch directly behind its eye, and body colors and markings vary. Usually, three vertical black bars are visible. Horizontal white spots are often present.

The smallest peacock bass is the butterfly tucunare (Chichla ocellaris) and is also the species with the greatest population in Brazil and the Amazon basin. The butterfly has three different color phases, but the butterfly most often seen has three black, oscillated spots an inch or so in diameter running along its lateral line. Peacock bass are the main attraction in Brazil and in the Amazon, but many other jungle species exist there that are no less impressive in beauty as well as fighting ability. Pacu, pirapitinga, jacunda, apapa, tambaqui, pirarucu, bicuda, picua, piranha, aruana and pescada can all be taken depending on location.

Peacock Habits and Angling Hints

• Peacock bass often prefer some sort of "structure" as do largemouth bass. Good hiding places for baitfish are rocks, fallen logs, points and sand bars, therefore this is where the peacocks will usually be lurking. However, always heed the guide’s recommendations on where to cast.
• Peacock bass often burst into a feeding frenzy when roaming about in small schools searching for baitfish. If you encounter this situation, get your lure or fly in front of the feeding fish as soon as possible. Your best chance of hooking one is to cast to them immediately after they’ve been spotted. These are greedy and highly competitive schooling fish. You should consistently cast a free lure or fly right next to any hooked fish because another peacock bass will almost always be attracted by the commotion. Fish the surrounding area thoroughly.
• Novice anglers will be tempted to set the hook too fast when fishing topwater lures or flies. Many times, peacock bass will just slap at the lure to stun it, but then come back for a second pass and firmly grab it. It is difficult to remember at first, but do not set the hook on the strike. If you can’t see the plug or fly after about three seconds, drop your rod tip and set the hook as hard as you can. Peacock bass of this big size have very tough skin around their mouths and tend to grip the plug or fly firmly.
• Do not try to "horse" a big peacock bass. Do not underestimate his power. When a big fish is headed for structure, apply side pressure to the rod in an attempt to steer the fish in another direction. Cranking your drag down too tight will almost always result in their snapping or pulling off the line. Don’t give up if a fish does make it into cover. Slack a bit and wait for the boat to spook the fish out of its hiding place. Often they will untangle themselves. Never assume a fish is ready to give up when it comes to the boat. Keep a high rod tip and a loose drag to absorb last minute runs.
• Lure shade seems more important than lure or fly color. Use a light-colored lure/fly if it is bright out. Dark shades are more productive in low light conditions.