Adapting to conditions

[Capt. BassinLou]

I'm in a writing mood, and I wanted to share some thoughts to our present conditions in the Everglades in regards to fishing. I will preface this by saying that I will not be sharing specific details about baits or techniques. Sorry,    But, I will share some insights that might help some you if you decide to challenge yourself and figure out the bite. 

If you're into peacock bass fishing, I'm here to tell you that those suckers are out there. However, you actually have to fish for them. I know we are used to fishing for peacocks during their spawn. Which seems to appear like it's all the time these days.

However, when peacocks are not spawning, you would swear that there are no peacocks around because you won't easily see them. Add to the fact that our current conditions in the Glades are not the most favorable right now due to very high water and lots of vegetation in the form of hyacinth.

Why is an overabundance of hyacinth a challenge, you ask? The reason is because it accumulates and forms big mats that over extend the bank line. This over extension of vegetation will extend out 15-20 feet from the actual bank! This makes for challenging fishing because the shallows are covered by these mats, making for throwing traditional peacock baits/lures close to impossible.

I have been out on several outings recently (more than you know) where I would return frustrated and disappointed with the quantity and quality of fish that I caught. 4 to 6 hrs of grinding in this heat, only to catch 0 to 2 peas max!!     

I almost gave up on fishing certain areas until the spring. But I had a nagging feeling that these peacocks have not gone anywhere. I just didn't adapt to the conditions correctly. 

Once the light bulb went off in my head,    I changed my fishing strategies, and now fishing has become enjoyable again despite the conditions.

Here are some clues that might help you guys. Some of these clues may seem extremely obvious, but you will be surprised how many anglers miss these.

Current. There is a lot of it out there right now. Enough to be a real pita! But, current can actually be a good thing if you set up correctly. Advantages of current. It cools the water temps a little bit, and it moves bait. Lots and lots of bait. Keep your eye out for bait, along with the areas where the current isn't as prevalent. You find these areas, and you will find fish willing to cooperate. 

Work the water column. Just like we work the water column to find bass, you will need to work the water column to find the peacocks. Take careful notes at the depths, speeds, and cadences, you were fishing when you caught your first, second, and third fish. You make it to 3 catches, and you have a pattern to work with.

Hopefully, the information I shared is enough to expand your imagination and help you guys catch some peas. You may have to think outside the box and fish a little unorthodox, but I promise you, if you figure it out, your rods will be bent the whole outing. 



Check out my latest report, where our UB FL member Ralph catches his PB peacock just by implementing the clues I shared. Read -->    PB Alert!

Thanks for reading!

[topdsm0138]

  A few quick bits to share with us Glades guys as well.

*Whenever you hear "slurping" noises frequently, move to a different location. That's the plecos you hear coming up to get oxygen. Plecos can breathe air, but bass cannot.

*Where you see large clumps of algae or the AVC/Weed crews have came through, move to a different location. As algae grows thick or plant matter rapidly dies, it removes the oxygen from the water. (Usally this relates to the last example as there will be more plecos, they love "bad" water)

*Capt Lou is right, complacency is a downfall. We all have our "trusty, go-to" baits but now is a good time to experiment, to try new techniques and baits. IE: Look for those pockets in the mats, try pitching, punching and jigging them. Try downsizing your baits or use a new/different color. (Some peas prefer "obnoxious" over traditional colors). They may not all be trophies, but they're still fun. Besides, "Small fish are better than NO fish."





Tiller Mafia.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Great points, Tops! Thank you for sharing. I like those.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Follow up.

The importance of adapting and overcoming.

Went out again today.  It's amazing how the fishing changed in less than 48 hrs.

My strategy was to pick up where I left off from Mondays outing.

Well, I was served a huge slice of humble pie. Close to 2 hrs of fishing and nothing! Same spots, same lures.

Made a move, fished a new location, and came across a 50-yard stretch of water where the peacocks were stacked!

Fortunately, I changed strategies.

Keep an open mind, work the different areas, and watch and observe!

Good luck!!

[Capt. BassinLou]

Another follow-up.  Please don't be shy to chime in or ask questions if you're a lurker. We don't bite.

As we begin to transition into our colder months. Your approach to peacocks will need to change.

I know these fish are notorious for their aggression,  and it seems like they can be caught all the time.

Although that may be true during their spawn. But when the conditions begin to change, that aggression tapers down a bit.

Peacock will hunker down like bass. They will find cover and stay in deep in the shadows.

If you're fishing with artificials, you will need to get creative to coax these peacocks to bite.

The colder it gets, the chances of landing a peacock diminishes. These fish do not like cold water. They will die if the water gets too cold for too long.

Believe it or not, between now and winter. You may have to actually slow down your presentations.

Last tip, and I keep sharing this nugget a lot. Work the water column!! Top water presentations are not the be-all of techniques for these fish!

Good luck!!

[JHAB]

You got that right Lou!! Went out of Holiday last Friday, very windy, overcast, hi water, fast current. Boated 2 small largemouth and 1 3lb P. That was it. Variety of lures, all caught on flashy suspend a lures. Nice day for a boat ride!! Maybe water levels will drop some soon.
Safe Fishin,
Jim