Fort Lauderdale Lake Peacock Bass Capt Lou

Everglades Bass Fishing Adventure

Want to get into some serious bass action without the hassle? This 4-hour Everglades trip puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking Florida largemouth and those crazy-strong peacock bass that'll test your drag system. I've been running these waters for years, and I know exactly where to find them based on conditions, time of year, and what's been producing. Whether you're new to bass fishing or just visiting South Florida, this trip delivers the goods without any of the guesswork.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up somewhere convenient near Fort Lauderdale or deeper into the South Everglades - I'll give you the exact spot once we're booked. The beauty of this fishery is that we've got options. If one area's not firing, we can quickly move to another productive zone. These aren't your typical northern lakes - we're fishing canals, ponds, and backwater areas that hold some genuinely hefty bass. The peacocks especially love structure and current breaks, while the largemouth relate to vegetation and deeper pockets. I bring all the gear you need, plus I'll be right there coaching you through hooksets, fighting fish, and reading the water. Perfect for families too - kids absolutely love the steady action we typically see out here.

Gear Setup & Techniques

I've got you covered with quality rods and reels that can handle both species. We'll primarily throw artificials - stuff like topwater plugs early in the trip, then switch to soft plastics and crankbaits as conditions dictate. The peacock bass are absolute suckers for flashy spoons and jigs worked around concrete structures, while the largemouth prefer worms and creature baits in the grass lines. If you want to upgrade to live shiners, that's available for an extra fee - and let me tell you, a big shiner under a bobber near cover is about as deadly as it gets for trophy largemouth. I'll teach you how to work each lure properly and when to set the hook. Water clarity changes throughout the system, so we adjust our approach accordingly.

Top Catches This Season

The Everglades system produces fish year-round, but each species has its peak times. Largemouth bass here commonly run 2-5 pounds, with bigger fish always possible. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, but the warmer water actually concentrates them in predictable spots during summer. These aren't the sluggish bass you might find in overpressured northern lakes - Florida strain largemouth fight hard and jump frequently. Peacock bass are the real stars though. Originally from South America, they were introduced to South Florida decades ago and have absolutely thrived. They're built like footballs with attitudes to match. A 3-pound peacock will fight harder than most 5-pound largemouth, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish with those distinctive eye spots and vibrant colors. Peak peacock action happens during their spawning periods in spring and fall when they become extremely aggressive and territorial.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth bass in the Everglades system are special. The Florida strain grows faster and bigger than their northern cousins, plus they stay active in warmer water that would shut down other bass populations. They love the abundant forage here - from shiners and bluegill to crawfish and frogs. During the spawning season from December through April, you'll find them shallow and extremely aggressive. Summer fishing means targeting deeper water and shaded areas during the heat of the day. These fish average 2-4 pounds but 6-8 pounders are caught regularly by anglers who know what they're doing.

Peacock bass are hands-down one of the most exciting fish you can target in fresh water. They're ambush predators that absolutely destroy anything that looks like an injured baitfish. Their strike is explosive - no subtle nibbling here. They fight dirty too, using every trick in the book including jumping, diving for cover, and making blistering runs. The butterfly peacock bass we target typically range from 1-4 pounds, but they punch way above their weight class. They prefer water temperatures above 70 degrees, which makes South Florida perfect habitat year-round. Spring and fall are prime time when they're spawning and protecting territory, but even in summer they'll smash topwater baits early and late in the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

This trip consistently produces fish because I'm constantly adjusting to what's working. Four hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and dial in the bite without feeling rushed. I provide everything you need including bottled water and ice to keep any keepers fresh. The 2-person limit keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of shots at fish. Whether you're trying to get your kids hooked on fishing, want to experience South Florida's unique bass fishery, or just need a fun break from the beach scene, this trip delivers. The Everglades bass bite is world-class, and with my local knowledge guiding the way, you're going to have stories to tell when you get back home.