Peacock Bass (not actually a bass, but a cichlid like oscars and tilapia) were introduced by FWC as an attempt at biological control of invasive species and an alternative sports fish. The ones you were catching are worth about $100AUD in the aquarium trade here in Australia.
It is against the law to transport a live peacock in Florida so they definitely aren’t going in an aquarium. I think you can buy them through a pet store you just can’t move live ones you catch yourself.
If you're by Naples you will be catching Bass and Cichlids in addition to Snook and or Tarpon depending on the location Fracahatchee/Picayune Forest.. Seems funny seeing you guys fish where I've fished. lol Matt, I think you are the most like me out of that group. lol I'm heading over to the Everglades Feb. 3rd, always a fun trip and loads of Big Pecocks.
Yes, peacocks are not native to Florida. However, they were intentionally released in the late 80s or early 90s by FWC. In an attempt to control the tilapia population that was out of control. You couldn't keep them back in the day, and only in the past 20 years have they become sufficient enough to target and catch regularly. So you shouldn't treat them as evasive because they do serve a purpose.
Not seeing bait mean the tide is out. Best to fish in salt water on high tides. I could tell the tide was out! Oil rig plate forms, Jetties, piers, boat dock, and bridges are good places to fish for salt water fish. If the tide is out? YOU MIGHT AS WELL GO HOME ! > Salt water fish, schools with in high tides. That goes with shell fish to
Cool video, I love the South Florida stuff. I should be fishin' for rainbow bass, cousins of peacock bass, in Costa Rica Tuesday. We're going next to a live volcano in a big man-made lake. Then I'm going to the Pacific beaches for snook, snapper and rooster fish. Should be fun. I'm thinking about filming if the fishin' is good. Might make a good way to start a RU-vid channel. Check out guapote in Lake Arenal if you want to see what the big cichlids are like.
This is awesome and definitely on my bucket list!! So maybe y’all will know better than me why do they get so big in the Amazon river but you never see even 10 pounders here??? Also there’s different kinds of peacock but the ones with the stripes are the biggest reaching 20 plus pounds in the Amazon (I think)!
Dr's Pass where you started the morning is awesome. I grew up in Naples. We have caught tons of species there from grouper, tarpon, loads of snook, spanish mackeral, jacks, and cobia. usually you can't get skunked there but yes the water wasn't looking very good. Hope you all had a great time in Naples.
I am jealous... Always wanted to fish those canals for peacock bass. It is always ironic, taking the wife fishing, and she pulls out a lunker fish! Looks like you guys had a blast. I have seen that peacock bass love to smash a top water poppers, & even a top water spinner bait! Very aggresive fish. You guys should try them on the fly rod!
There are places in Florida, where you can eat, banquets every night, from land. The only things you have to buy are things like butter, a few vegetables, and CHOCOLATE😂! If you know what the different wild vegetables are, you may not even have to buy vegetables. I love Florida.
I know Florida laws change by region, but I thought that Oscars and Cichlids are considered evasive and by law should not be released if caught. This does not apply to Peacock Bass. What’s you guys interpretation of the law where you are fishing today.
Hey guys. Want to invite you all to eat some free woodfired pizza. Brandt says he is a pizza connoisseur I invited him last time he was here. We will be at ft myers brewery saturday from 12-10 serving up the best wood fired pizza in sw florida. Just want to give back a little of the happiness you give out tonall of us
I was just wondering, Florida has a lot of invasive species the optimal word is invasive.. why do you return them free instead of dispatching them? I live in Maine and if you bring in any invasive, be it fish, animal or plant the state will take your house , your firstborn and hopefully your wife.
The black panther in the thumbnail gave me a chuckle. Florida panthers are tan. The only black panthers you’re gonna see in Florida are wearing berets or in a marvel movie.
Great video you and your beautiful wife she is getting better and better I think I might have 2 heroes now ohh and don't cut your hair it's so dam cool
I need a solid casting spoon as I’m headed to HI in a few weeks. What spoon was that, and can you hook me up with one? I’d pay, and shipping too friend!
I’m getting ready to do some freshwater fishing myself, one day hope to catch some peacocks. I do t think they are up where I’m at in NE Florida, so I’m have to find time to fish when I head down south FL. Thanks as always for the great content. SO GLAD to see Courtney out there with you! Go Fishin’ Girls!
Nothing personal here, but while you are manning the new Tackle shop, is Courtney going to be do the "Bikini Beach Bum" show? I think she can up your following numbers! Just saying... 😁
I have a two footer that hangs under the bridge across the canal at the end of our driveway. He has been torturing fisherman for years, wily as they get.
OMG it's bloopers live LoL 😂 thanks 👍 also when Bank fishing for all us pro's 😂 know how to use a net worth saving The stress of dropping phones And fish 🐠 Nice catch Courtney
Docs Pass? Caught my first Snook there on an outgoing it was loaded with bait. Awesome feeding when I was there Snook had the minnows pushed up to the rocks Dolphin had the Snook Pushed up. Saw a Dolphin eat a Snook 3 ft from my feet. On the walk out that morning I also saw a Trail where a Turtle came up and nested. Confirmed the trail when the guys came and marked it after sunrise. Another trip my son(8) caught his first Mangrove there off the channel marker! Shame it did not work for you that day. Good spot to try though.
Sent you & Brant a link to an auction that has a bunch of retail displays & equipment from a defunct Gander Outdoor store... you might find some things for your store...
Middle of the day! That's my kind of fishing! Great video, Beach Bum! I'm a bit afraid y'all are going to kill yourselves fishing in those flip-flops though. Stay safe!
I wouldn't worry too much about Cougars. They're pretty smart and stay away from humans. Most Cougar encounters in my area happen when a duck hunter is hidden in the reeds and is calling in ducks. The Cougar thinks he is jumping a duck - then runs when he realizes his mistake
Hello bamabeachbum I live and fish not too far where you were all at. Its been tough on the beaches with all the wind and cold fronts coming through plus after Ian theres been nothing but lizardfish, you might have better luck further south or in the back bays
That jetty in the first clip is actually a great fishing spot on the spring/summer. Usually loaded with snook, tarpon, pompano, mackerel, jacks, and sheep’s.
