The origins
The origin of Miami's butterfly peacock bass is a little more unusual than that of the aquarium fish discussed above. In fact, they were not irregularly introduced by aquarists, but were deliberately introduced by the authorities to control the native species that had developed.
Local formalities
Fishing in Florida couldn't be easier. All you need to do is obtain a freshwater fishing permit from a store with a fishing section, or from the authorities' website. Fishing is considered authorized everywhere, as long as there are no contraindications (private land, danger...).
When to go?
In winter, fishing there is complicated, because even if it's warm for us compared to the climate in Metropolitan France, for fish native to Amazonia, winter is harsh and their activity very reduced. So it's best to visit between May and October to ensure that the fish are responsive to lures. Note that July and August are hurricane season and there's a lot of rain. The fishing isn't bad, but you have to take this into account in terms of comfort and maximizing your fishing days.
Where to fish?
To find peacocks, you first need to find suitable canals and lakes. For this, freshwater is important, as they don't seem to appreciate brackish water. In this respect, I advise you to prospect at least 5km from the shore to find canals where the tide has no influence. And don't just focus on Miami, as Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are also great places to look for peacocks.
Miami is a great destination for combining fishing and other activities. Ideal when you don't want to fish all day, for trips with family, friends or solo.
