Set the drag loose so they don’t snap the line when they strike and then tighten it up a little after setting the hook.

Habitat

The Speckled Peacock Bass are best caught in shallow lagoons and slow moving rivers in summer and early fall. The enjoy warm water, avoid cold water preferred by other bass species. Most freshwater bass are at home in water no more than 60°F/16°C degrees. However, these low temperatures will result in death for the Speckled Peacock Bass. In fact, temperatures much below 65°F/18°C degrees are not sustainable, which is largely considered to be the reason why the Speckled Peacock Bass failed to take to Florida and why the Butterfly Peacock Bass is limited to the south eastern part of the state.

Deep Water Timing

However, if you are going to fish for them in deep lakes is in the high heat of the summer. As the water temperature moves above 82°F degrees, the Speckled Peacock Bass usually head towards deeper water trying to stay writhing the upper 70&degs. They spend the nights in the shallows and when they wake, they don’t immediately head towards deeper water. They forage for food and when the sun is high in the sky, they begin to move deeper into the lagoons and rivers.

They may also go to the deep if they are full or they are chasing bait fish. Deep water techniques are a little more difficult as this is not a habitat that is the Speckled Peacocks prefer as they are more of a shallow water fish. The sun governs much of their life so fishing for them in deeper water requires cunning and the right lures. It also requires patience as the deeper they are, the more debris there is to content with.

When they are deep, they hide and lay in wait for prey around fallen timber and sunken logs and debris much the same way that freshwater bass do, like the largemouth bass. Techniques for catching them are very similar to that of Largemouth Bass in these conditions.

Sunken Debris

Moreover, most lagoons and even river ways in South America are full of sunken debris, which makes getting snagged much easier than catching the lunkers themselves. If you have the choice to fish in shallows and river conditions, do so. Fishing in deepwater lagoons will prove frustrating. However, if you are going to fish in these conditions, make sure you have extra tackle as you are likely to get snagged. In fact, expect to loose your fair share of lures so don’t use your expensive ones.

As you can see via the pictures, the water is murky and very turbid deep in the lagoons and rivers of the Amazon river basin. Don’t focus on colour as they all appear grey and can’t be seen more than a foot or two.

Lures & Bait

Your key in the deep water is to focus on vibrations. Select lures that resemble their common prey like threadfin shad, tilapia, bluegills and mosquitofish. Unlike other bass, crayfish are not the top. But, most importantly, make sure they create vibrations that replicate the sounds of a wounded bait fish. As they can’t see well at depth, get their attention through sound. Surface plugs and diving plugs are very effective as are crankbaits. spoons are another useful lure

Drag

Lastly, set the drag loose so they don’t snap the line when they strike and then tighten it up a little after setting the hook. However, don’t set it too tight or the line will snap after a few minutes at best.