Unlike most North American Bass species, whose males chases away the female after spawning, both male and female Speckled Peacock Bass stand guard over the nest and protect their off spring after hatching.

Voracious Predator

The Speckled Peacock Bass is a voracious predators and highly aggressive at defending its young, its territory and seeking out a meal. They feed almost exclusively on fish, though they will strike worms and other bait that largemouth will strike.

South America Food Preferences

The Speckled Peacock Bass prefer threadfin shad, tilapia, bluegils and mosquitofish. As Speckled Peacock Bass that have been introduced to other habitats, not all of these baitfish may be available. Substitute local bait fish for any of the ones listed here.

If it is not part of the Peacock bass’s normal food range, pick a different bait – why waste time on something that is not going to work.

The Speckled Bass are very territorial. They will strike to eat food or they will strike to ward off attackers and defend their territory.

Dinner Time

The Speckled Peacock Bass is a daytime feeder only and they need the suns energy to get them moving in the morning. Unlike other native bass of North America that is more active around dawn and dusk, the peacock bass is slow and lethargic in the morning, not even moving at night. It only becomes active and aggressive when the sun comes out. Only when the water and sun become too strong does it seek cooler water.

This usually happens in the middle of the dry season as the water reaches past 82°F/28°C. While they will start out in the shallows in the morning, they start migrating to deeper water around 11h00.

When the peacock spots its prey, it attacks quickly and in force. It does not nibble at its prey, but gulps it down in a lightning strike and then takes off. Peacock Bass strike baits out of two instincts:

1) out of hunger and
  • 2) out of a protection of their territory and their young and they will aggressively chase down prey or fish that comes into their territory.

    • Unlike most North American Bass species, whose males chases away the female after spawning, both male and female Speckled Peacock Bass stand guard over the nest and protect their off spring after hatching.

    Choosing the Right Lure Types

    Being territorial, it is easy to catch them if you know where they are as a good lure that passes by will elicit a strike out of the instinct to protect their environment. Use lures that make noise and stand out when they are guiding their young and all you have to do is fly the lure through their territory of close to them and it will strike with force.

    The best way to grab their attention are a colourful 12-inch long lure or baitfish. Appeal to their instincts and you will be very happy with the results. Peacock Bass offer a much more aggressive fight than any Largemouth Bass or smallmouth bass can offer.