6HR Everglades Peacock Largemouth Lake Capt Lou

Everglades Peacock + Largemouth Bass (6HR)

Looking for the ultimate freshwater fishing adventure in South Florida? This 6-hour Everglades bass fishing trip combines the best of both worlds – hard-fighting peacock bass and Florida's legendary largemouth bass. I'm Captain Lou, and I've been guiding anglers through these waters for years, watching folks light up when they feel that first peacock bass hit or battle a chunky Florida largemouth. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's your chance to experience what makes the Everglades one of the top-rated bass fishing destinations in the country. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who just wants to relax and catch fish without the pressure, this trip delivers. I handle all the details – gear, tackle, coaching, and finding the fish – so you can focus on having a blast on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Six hours gives us serious time to work the water properly and really dial in what the fish want. We'll start early when the bite is typically best, and I'll have us moving between my proven spots throughout the day. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you might be working a topwater lure along a grass line for largemouth, the next you're pitching live shiners near structure where peacocks love to ambush baitfish. I bring all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus I'm big on hands-on coaching. If you've never thrown a spinnerbait or worked a plastic worm, no worries – I'll show you the ropes. The Everglades ecosystem is unlike anywhere else, with its maze of canals, natural sloughs, and structure that holds fish year-round. We'll adjust our approach based on conditions, weather, and what the fish are telling us. I keep bottled water and ice on board, and if you want to upgrade to live shiners (which can be absolute magic for big bass), just let me know and we'll add those for a small fee.

Techniques and Prime Spots

The Everglades offers incredible diversity in fishing techniques, and that's what makes this trip so productive. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats to deeper canal drops, adjusting our presentations throughout the day. For peacock bass, I love using topwater plugs early in the morning – the explosion when a peacock hits is something you'll never forget. As the day progresses, we might switch to live bait or work subsurface lures around structure where these fish stage. Largemouth bass here respond well to Texas-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits, especially around vegetation edges and drop-offs. The key is reading the water and matching conditions. Morning might find us working shallow areas where fish have moved up to feed, while midday could have us targeting deeper structure or shaded areas. I'm constantly adjusting based on water temperature, weather patterns, and seasonal movements. Live shiners are incredibly effective for both species, especially when we're targeting bigger fish or dealing with tough conditions. I'll teach you how to present them naturally and when to set the hook for maximum success.

Target Species

Peacock bass are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These South American natives were introduced to Florida waters decades ago and have absolutely taken off. What makes peacocks so special is their aggressive nature and incredible fight. A 3-pound peacock will fight harder than most 5-pound largemouth, and when they hit a topwater lure, it's pure explosion. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop into the 70s, but we catch them year-round. They school up around structure like docks, fallen trees, and canal bends, making them predictable once you learn their patterns. The males develop brilliant colors during spawning season, with electric blues and greens that make them one of the most beautiful freshwater fish you'll ever catch.

Florida largemouth bass are legendary for a reason – they grow big, fight hard, and are incredibly fun to catch. The Everglades system produces some true giants, with fish over 8 pounds caught regularly. Spring is prime time when they're staging for the spawn, but the beauty of our year-round growing season means good fishing almost any time. These bass are ambush predators, using vegetation, structure, and current breaks to surprise their prey. They'll hit everything from topwater frogs in heavy cover to deep-diving crankbaits on canal drops. What I love about Everglades largemouth is their variety – you might catch a skinny 2-pounder in shallow grass one cast, then hook into a 6-pound bruiser holding in deeper water the next. They're incredibly responsive to live bait, especially large shiners, which trigger their predatory instincts like nothing else.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 6-hour Everglades adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing world-class bass fishing in one of Florida's most renowned fisheries. With my local knowledge, quality gear, and patient coaching, you're set up for success whether this is your first time holding a rod or you're looking to add some Florida bass to your list. The extended time on the water means we can really work different areas, adjust to conditions, and maximize your chances at both species. I've watched countless anglers fall in love with Everglades fishing on trips just like this one. The combination of peacock bass aggression and largemouth bass power, set against the backdrop of this unique ecosystem, creates memories that last a lifetime. Ready to see what all the excitement is about? Let's get you on the water and show you why this is quickly becoming everyone's customer favorite bass fishing experience in South Florida.