Peacock Bass and Clown Knifefish Charter – Lantana
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fullday charter targeting Peacock Bass and Clown Knifefish in Florida watersAll tackle, safety equipment, and refreshments included with professional guideHigh catch rates often exceeding 100 fish per day
Ready to experience some of the best freshwater fishing Florida has to offer? This 8-hour guided charter out of Lantana puts you right in the heart of South Florida's most productive waters, where exotic species like Peacock Bass and Clown Knifefish have turned our local canals and lakes into world-class fishing destinations. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some unique species to your list or bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you talking about it for years. We're talking catch rates that regularly hit triple digits – yeah, you read that right, over 100 fish in a single day isn't uncommon out here.
Your day starts early with a meet-up in Lantana, where we'll load up the boat with everything you need for a full day of fishing. No need to stress about gear – we've got you covered with top-rated tackle, all the safety equipment, and plenty of ice-cold water to keep you hydrated under the Florida sun. The beauty of this charter is its flexibility. We can adjust our approach based on what's biting and what gets you excited. Some days we're sight-casting to cruising Peacock Bass in crystal-clear canals, other days we're working deeper structure for Largemouth Bass and those prehistoric-looking Bowfin. The guest capacity is kept small at just two anglers, so you get that personal attention and aren't fighting for water time. This isn't a cattle boat operation – it's quality fishing with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
One of the coolest things about this charter is the variety of fishing methods we can employ. Fly fishing enthusiasts will love the sight-fishing opportunities for Peacock Bass – watching these aggressive fish crush a well-placed streamer is pure fishing magic. If live bait is more your speed, we'll rig up with shiners or other local forage that these fish can't resist. Artificial presentations work fantastic too, especially topwater plugs during the early morning bite or when the afternoon action heats up. The tackle selection is dialed in for South Florida conditions – medium to medium-heavy rods that can handle the fight these fish bring, quality reels with smooth drags, and a tackle box full of proven lures and flies. Don't worry about a Florida freshwater fishing license ahead of time – you'll need one, but it's not included in the trip price, so plan to grab yours online or at a local shop before we head out.
Peacock Bass are the stars of the show and for good reason. These South American natives have made themselves right at home in Florida's warm waters, and they fight like nothing else you've ever hooked. They're ambush predators that love structure – downed trees, rock piles, canal edges – anywhere they can hide and blast out to nail unsuspecting baitfish. Peak action happens during the warmer months, but they bite year-round in South Florida. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and incredible colors. When a big Peacock Bass lights up during a fight, those electric blues and greens are something to see.
Clown Knifefish are the oddball species that everyone wants to catch but few anglers ever target specifically. These fish look like they swam straight out of the Amazon, which isn't far from the truth. They're primarily night feeders, but we've dialed in techniques to get them during daylight hours. They can grow massive – we're talking fish over 20 pounds – and they put up a surprisingly good fight for something that looks so weird. The cool factor alone makes them worth targeting, plus they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home.
Largemouth Bass are the bread and butter of Florida freshwater fishing, and our local strain grows fat and healthy in these nutrient-rich waters. Florida Largemouth are known for their size and attitude. Spring is prime time when they're up shallow spawning, but summer and fall can produce some monster fish too. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive and relatively easy to hook, but they'll test experienced anglers with their acrobatic fights and heavy cover tactics.
Bowfin are living fossils that have been swimming in these waters since the time of dinosaurs, and hooking into one is like battling a prehistoric beast. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and your arms. Most anglers don't specifically target them, but when one grabs your bait, you know you're in for a fight. They love heavy cover and can gulp air, so they'll often head straight for the thickest stuff they can find. Kids especially love catching these unique fish because they look so different from typical freshwater species.
This charter represents everything great about Florida freshwater fishing – variety, action, and the chance to catch species you won't find anywhere else in the country. With catch rates that consistently exceed expectations and a guide who's passionate about putting you on fish, it's the kind of trip that turns good days into great memories. The small group size means you get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to improve your technique, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills. Book now and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Get ready to target Peacock Bass and Clown Knifefish aboard our 25' Carolina Skiff, perfectly rigged for Florida's freshwater action. This sweet ride packs a 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast, plus Garmin electronics to locate structure and an I-Pilot trolling motor for silent approaches when the bite gets finicky. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to cast, while the live well keeps your bait frisky and the coolers store your catch. With dry storage for gear and an icebox for drinks, you're set for 8 hours of serious fishing. Whether you're slinging flies, pitching live bait, or working artificials, this skiff handles it all. The shallow draft gets you into backcountry spots where hundred-fish days happen regularly.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are the perfect starter fish that even experienced anglers love targeting. These colorful panfish average 8 inches but can surprise you with 12+ inch slabs, especially during spring spawning when males show off their bright orange bellies. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas around docks, fallen logs, and vegetation where they school up in groups of 10-20. Spring and early summer are peak times, but they bite year-round in Florida's warm waters. Kids and beginners love them because they're not picky eaters and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Plus, they're table fare gold. My go-to setup? Small jig under a bobber near any underwater structure - they'll hammer it every time, and you'll often catch multiples from the same spot.
Amia CalvaThink of bowfin as living fossils with an attitude - they've been around since dinosaur times and fight like it. Females can reach 30 inches and 8+ pounds, while males stay smaller around 18-24 inches. These prehistoric predators love thick vegetation in marshes, canals, and shallow backwaters where other fish can't survive. Night fishing produces the biggest ones since they're most active after dark. What draws anglers? The raw, bulldogging fight and bragging rights of catching a "living fossil." They breathe air and water, so they'll stay strong right to the boat. Pro tip: use cut bluegill on a heavy rig near weed beds - they go crazy for fresh-cut bait and won't hesitate to grab it. Just watch those teeth when handling!
Micropterus SalmoidesFlorida's most famous freshwater fighter, largemouth bass average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but our warm waters grow some real monsters. That massive mouth extending past their eyes isn't just for show - they'll ambush anything from bluegill to small snakes. Find them around thick cover like hydrilla beds, cypress trees, and docks in shallow to medium depths. Year-round fishing here is solid, but spring and fall produce the most aggressive bites. Anglers love their explosive strikes and aerial shows, plus they're decent eating from clean water. The fight factor alone keeps people coming back - they'll test your drag and jump like crazy. Local secret: throw a dark-colored swim jig along grass lines early morning or late afternoon. Work it slow and steady - when they hit, hold on tight.
Cichla OcellarisThese South American imports are absolute bruisers that'll give you a fight you won't forget. They run 12-14 inches on average but can hit over two feet, with gorgeous yellow-green bodies and that signature black eyespot on the tail. You'll find them in our canal systems around structure - bridges, fallen trees, anywhere with shade and cover. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps stay above 70. What makes them special? Pure aggression and acrobatic jumps that put largemouth to shame. They hit topwater lures hard at first light, but here's the local trick - cast live golden shiners near canal intersections where current breaks. These fish can't resist that presentation, and neither can most anglers once they hook their first one.
Lantana, FL