There are several different species of peacock bass of the genus Cichla that live in Brazil, all of which are great gamefish, but the speckled peacock bass (also known as the three-barred peacock bass, Cichla temensis) grows the largest, and is most targeted by anglers. Specimens of this type of fish have been caught weighing up to 27 pounds, and these bass (which are actually not in the bass family at all) are strong and explosive.
Peacock Bass Physical Description
Peacock bass have dark green backs, and either light bellies, or orange sides and red bellies, depending on season and species. Speckled peacock bass have three black vertical stripes on their sides, which are more prominent during spawning, and a spot, or "eye" at the base of their tails, which look like the spots on the tail feathers of actual peacocks, resulting in the English name of these fish. Peacock bass have tremendous heads and mouths, and grow to nearly 30 pounds. All species of these cichlids eat baitfish and small fish, and they are all only able to tolerate tropical environments and warm waters.
Peacock Bass Fishing in Brazil
Although these fish live in several South American countries that include bits of the Amazon rainforest, the largest portion of their range is found in Brazil. There are many established fishing lodges and houseboats that cater to fishermen in pursuit of these fish in Brazil. The Agua Boa River, the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Jauaperi River are excellent locations to fish for these bass in the country. Lodges may be utilized by anglers traveling to the rainforest, and all inclusive fishing packages are available that take care of anglers after they land in Manaus, or other hub cities. Other exotic fish, such as piranhas and aruanas inhabit many of the same tributaries of the Amazon that peacocks do, and the sites and scenery of trips will certainly never be forgotten.
Tackle for Peacock Bass Fishing
These fish are extremely aggressive, and they seldom refuse well placed lures or flies that mimic baitfish. Some great lures for peacock bass are flukes and jerkbaits, swimbaits, and crankbaits or plugs. Large Rapala plugs are great lures to throw to these fish. Peacocks are also very popular targets for fly fishers, and they will take just about any large flies that they see. Clouser deep minnows, Lefty's deceivers, flashtail whistlers, and poppers and divers are great flies to use in Brazil. Fishing for peacock bass in Brazil will also require particular rods and reels, the latter of which must be spooled with tough, reliable line. Tough rods of at least medium action are certainly necessary, although at times, for larger fish, larger, stouter rods are required. Both baitcasting and spinning gear are acceptible for these fish. Fly tackle should be similar to that used for tarpon: heavier rods and reels (9-11 weight) with floating line is best.
Peacock bass fishing in Brazil is sure to be somewhat pricey, although trips are unique and certainly memorable experiences, that place anglers in the heart of secluded sections of the Amazon rainforest.
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