From $500

Trip Rate

1-3

4-8 Hours

All Year

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Peacock Bass Fishing

A peacock bass fishing charter in the freshwater canals near Key Largo offers a completely different experience from saltwater trips, combining the thrill of hard-fighting gamefish with the calm, scenic setting of South Florida’s inland waterways. These canals are home to the brightly colored peacock bass, an exotic species originally introduced from South America, as well as largemouth bass, oscars, and Mayan cichlids. The trip begins with a short drive from the Keys to the canal system, where we target prime spots around bridges, culverts, and vegetation lines using light tackle or fly gear. Peacock bass are aggressive feeders, often striking with explosive force and putting up an impressive fight for their size.

Fishing these canals is as much about the experience as it is about the catch. The clear, calm waters are surrounded by iguanas, wading birds, and gators. Because these trips are protected from ocean winds, they’re a great option when offshore or backcountry conditions are too rough. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing a new species for your list or a family looking for a fun, action-packed day, a peacock bass charter near Key Largo delivers excitement, beauty, and a style of fishing you won’t find anywhere else in the Florida Keys.

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Target Species

The peacock bass is a brilliantly colored freshwater predator native to South America and prized for its aggressive strikes and relentless fight. Its golden-yellow body, bright orange throat, and bold black vertical bars make it one of the most striking gamefish in Florida’s waters. Averaging 1-3 pounds with trophy fish reaching over 5 pounds, peacock bass feed primarily on smaller fish, attacking lures and live bait with explosive speed. Unlike many freshwater fish, they are strictly warm-water species, thriving in the subtropical climate of South Florida’s canal systems.

Winter: Cooler temperatures slow their metabolism, but midday warmth can spark feeding activity. Fishing deeper canal edges or sun-warmed shallow spots produces best results.
Spring: Peak spawning season brings fish into the shallows, where they become highly territorial and aggressive, making this one of the best times to sight-fish for them.
Summer: Warm water keeps peacock bass feeding actively, often in shaded areas or near structure; early mornings and late afternoons offer the hottest action.
Fall: Stable weather and moderate water temperatures keep fish active throughout the day, with peacock bass spreading out across canals and aggressively chasing baitfish.

Where We Fish

We have a handful of freshwater canals close to Kay Largo that we frequent for our Peacock Bass fishing charters. These manmade canals are filled with aquatic life of various native and invasive fish species, birds, and alligators. We’ll spend the day going down the calm canals fishing grass lines, submerged structure, and rocky shorelines.

What's Included

  • All rods, reels, bait and tackle.
  • All necessary safety equipment.
  • A cooler with water and ice.

What To Bring

Please bring whatever food, drinks, and sun-protective clothing that will make your day on the water more enjoyable. Make sure to purchase freshwater fishing licenses as well.

  • Whatever food and drink that you want
  • Sunscreen, bug spray, and towels
  • Weather specific clothing
  • Polarized sunglasses and a hat
  • Please refrain from bringing any glassware

FAQs

Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do we need a fishing license?
Where do we meet for the trip?
Can we keep the fish?
Do you require a deposit?
What if we need to reschedule?
What if we need to cancel?
What if there is bad weather?