Peacock Bass and Exotics – Lantana, FL
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target peacock bass and exotic species in Lantana watersFamilyfriendly 4hour trips accommodate all skill levelsCatch rates regularly exceed 100 fish per day
When you're ready to experience some of the hottest freshwater fishing Florida has to offer, this 4-hour charter on the Lake Ida Chain delivers non-stop action. Based out of Lantana, you'll target peacock bass and a wild mix of exotic species that have made South Florida their home. We're talking 100+ fish days on the regular – the kind of numbers that'll have your arms burning and your camera roll packed. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list, this trip hits different. The waters around Lake Ida are loaded with structure and cover that holds everything from aggressive peacocks to prehistoric-looking bowfin, and our local guides know every honey hole.
The Lake Ida Chain isn't your typical bass lake – it's a melting pot of native and exotic species that creates some of the most diverse fishing you'll find anywhere in Florida. Your guide will pick you up right in Lantana and head to the most productive spots based on current conditions and what's biting. The beauty of this fishery is that something's always hungry. During the cooler months, the peacocks stack up in deeper channels and around rocky structure. Come summer, they move shallow and get super aggressive, especially around spawning areas. The chain connects several lakes, so there's always a backup plan if one area gets tough. You'll fish from a fully equipped bass boat with all the bells and whistles – comfortable seating, plenty of storage for your gear, and a livewell system that keeps your catches healthy for photos before release.
One of the coolest parts about this charter is the flexibility in how you want to fish. Spin fishing with live shiners is absolutely deadly on peacock bass – they can't resist a properly presented live bait around structure. If you're into artificials, topwater plugs during low-light periods will produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Spinnerbaits and swimbaits work great for covering water and finding active schools. For fly anglers, this is paradise – peacocks are suckers for colorful streamers and poppers, and the sight fishing opportunities are world-class when conditions are right. All tackle and safety gear come included, so you don't need to stress about bringing anything except your fishing license and enthusiasm. The guides carry multiple rod setups rigged and ready, so you can switch techniques quickly when the bite changes. Live bait is sourced fresh that morning, and the artificial selection includes proven local patterns that consistently produce.
Peacock bass are the stars of the show here, and for good reason. These South American natives have absolutely thrived in Florida's canal systems and interconnected lakes. They're ambush predators that love structure – think fallen trees, rocky points, and bridge pilings. What makes peacocks so addictive is their attitude. When they hit, they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. The Lake Ida Chain regularly produces peacocks in the 2-4 pound range, with occasional bruisers pushing 6+ pounds. Best action typically happens during the warmer months when they're spawning and super territorial, but they bite year-round if you know where to look.
Largemouth bass are everywhere in this system, and they've adapted to compete with all the exotic species moving in. The native largemouth here tend to be healthy and thick-bodied from the abundant forage base. They respond well to traditional bass fishing techniques, but don't be surprised if they're holding in slightly different spots than you'd expect – the presence of peacocks and other exotics has shifted some of their behavior patterns. Spring and fall provide the most consistent largemouth action, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to legitimate 5+ pounders.
Bowfin are living dinosaurs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These prehistoric beasts are native to Florida and can be found lurking in the grassier, shallower areas of the chain. They're not picky eaters and will crush just about any bait that moves. What makes bowfin special is their raw power – they're built like torpedoes and fight dirty with head shakes and bulldogging runs. Most anglers are shocked by how hard they pull. They're active year-round but really turn on during the summer months when water temperatures climb.
Bluegill might seem like the odd fish out, but the bluegill in this system are absolute slabs. We're talking dinner-plate sized fish that are perfect for kids and light tackle enthusiasts. They school up in massive numbers around spawning areas during spring and provide non-stop action on small jigs and live worms. These aren't your typical farm pond bluegill – the forage base here produces thick, healthy fish that fight surprisingly hard for their size. They're also great confidence builders for new anglers and provide steady action when the predator fishing slows down.
This top-rated charter consistently delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With catch rates regularly exceeding 100 fish per day and the chance to target multiple species in one trip, it's become a customer favorite for good reason. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to really get into fish but not so long that kids get restless. Plus, with only 2 anglers per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to hook up. Don't forget to grab your Florida freshwater fishing license before you head out, and bring a camera because you're going to want to document this action. The Lake Ida Chain is fishing as good as it ever has, and these peacock bass aren't going to catch themselves.
Our 25' Carolina Skiff cuts through the Lake Ida Chain like it was built for these waters. The 200HP Suzuki gets you to the hotspots fast, while the wireless I-Pilot trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for peacock bass and exotics. Garmin electronics help locate fish-holding cover, and the live well keeps your bait frisky all day. With spacious seating for two anglers, built-in coolers, and dry storage for tackle, this skiff handles everything from sight-fishing peacocks in the shallows to targeting clown knifefish around fallen trees. The icebox keeps drinks cold during those 100+ fish days that make the Lake Ida Chain legendary. Whether you're casting artificials or working live shiners, this boat puts you right where the action happens.
Lepomis MacrochirusThe perfect family fish that keeps kids (and adults) busy all day long. These colorful panfish average 8 inches but can surprise you with 12+ inch slabs hiding in deeper water. They school up around docks, fallen trees, and weed edges throughout our lakes. Spawning season from April through summer is prime time when males get bright orange bellies and become super aggressive protecting their beds in shallow water. What makes bluegill special is their willingness to bite almost anything - worms, small jigs, even bread crumbs work. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The fight is scrappy for their size, especially on light tackle. Pro tip: once you catch one, stay put and work that area thoroughly. Where there's one bluegill, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Amia CalvaThese prehistoric fighters are living fossils that'll test your drag system. Females can reach 30 inches and 8+ pounds, while males stay smaller around 18-24 inches. They're built like tanks with that long dorsal fin and can actually breathe air, so they thrive in the weedy, low-oxygen areas other fish avoid. Look for them in thick vegetation, fallen timber, and shallow backwaters throughout the Lake Ida system. Night fishing produces the biggest bowfin since they're natural nocturnal hunters. Guests love the raw power these fish bring - they fight dirty with head shakes and runs that'll surprise you. Fair warning: those teeth are serious business, so bring pliers. My go-to technique is a live bluegill on a circle hook fished near heavy cover. They can't resist that easy meal.
Micropterus SalmoidesFlorida's classic gamefish that put bass fishing on the map. These green machines typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but our warm waters grow some real hawgs. They love thick cover - weed beds, fallen timber, dock pilings - anywhere they can ambush prey in the Lake Ida Chain. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What hooks anglers is that explosive strike and the aerial show they put on when hooked. They're also excellent eating when taken from clean water. Largemouth respond to everything from topwater frogs to plastic worms, making them perfect for any skill level. Local secret: work a weightless Senko around dock corners early morning. The bite is subtle but the payoff is worth it when a 5-pounder crushes it.
Cichla OcellarisThese South American natives average 12-14 inches but can hit 35 inches in Florida's warm canals. They're aggressive predators with striking colors - yellows, greens, and that signature black eyespot on the tail that gives them their name. You'll find them around structure like bridges, docks, and vegetation in the Lake Ida Chain. They hunt during daylight hours and absolutely crush topwater lures and live shiners. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay above 60 degrees. What makes peacocks special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they're basically freshwater torpedoes. Here's a local trick: when you see one following your lure, let it sink for a second, then rip it back up. That usually triggers the strike.
Lantana, FL