When travelling internationally for fly fishing you want to give yourself the best opportunity there is to hit specimen fish and bucket list species! In late November a friend and I set off on an adventure to Panama, in search of peacock bass!
Peacock bass in Panama were introduced in the late 1960s by accident, however they have now become a dominant species in Lake Gatun and can be caught using various methods. I reached out to the team at Turrall, shout out to Jamie, Lorna and Dylan for supporting and providing lines and other tools for the visit.
I use and trust Cortland lines week in week out in UK and European fisheries as they're reliable and never let me down; there was only one choice for this adventure Cortlands tropical range! With advice from the team I took two lines for the trip Cortland Flats Taper Clear 8# WF and the Cortland Bone Fish Tropic Plus Series 7# WF.
We set off from Gamboa dock and headed into the jungle with fly lines 'locked and loaded' on the reels and rods! When targeting these powerful and aggressive fish, consider using large, brightly coloured streamer flies to mimic their preferred prey. Pay attention to the structure along the banks, as peacock bass often lurk near submerged logs and vegetation. A fast retrieve with intermittent pauses can trigger strikes. Ensure you have the appropriate tackle to handle their strong fights.
Personally I found the Cortland Tropic Plus Series for this type of fishing the perfect line - It had finesse and power which delivered the fly into the right spots I was targeting. I’ve fly fished for 15+ years but rarely with such heavy flies and heavier lines, however this line made it almost effortless to fish!
Throwing large flies (size 2&3) was real fun. To watch them land and see the fish move off the nest or structure in the water and approach the fly was phenomenal! The casting performance of both lines were excellent! They both felt extremely durable and cast with precision covering all the distances we wanted to fish!
Overall we caught 15+ peacock bass on the fly, wow! It's important to mention that the line was still in mint condition as I’d also hit a number of trees and stumps throughout the day! It was an incredible experience to fish in the jungle and like any adventure you need to ensure you survive and have the right gear for the job and the Cortland lines certainly delivered in all areas.
Speaking with the local guide and captain I picked up some great tips to share when hunting this magnificent species:
1.Use Large, Flashy Flies:
Peacock bass are aggressive predators and they respond well to large, brightly coloured flies. Poppers can also be be effective too!
2.Consider the Water Depth:
Adjust your fly and line choice based on the water depth. Deeper areas may require sinking lines and weighted flies, while topwater flies can be effective in shallower zones.
3.Vary Your Retrieval Speed:
Experiment with your retrieve speed. Peacock bass often respond to a fast, erratic retrieve, but sometimes a slower, more deliberate approach can trigger strikes!
4.Target Structure:
Focus on casting your flies near submerged structure like logs, vegetation and other cover where peacock bass may be hiding - they are known to be ambush predators!
5.Be Ready for Aggressive Strikes:
Peacock bass hits are often explosive and powerful. Be prepared for a strong fight and use appropriate tackle to handle their power!
6.Choose the Right Tackle:
Use a strong, weight-forward tropical fly line and a sturdy rod (usually 8-10 weight) to handle the size and strength of peacock bass.
7.Check Local Regulations:
Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines for the specific location you're fishing. Some areas may have restrictions on fly size, hook type, or catch-and-release practices!
8.Be Mindful of Environment:
Practice responsible angling by respecting the environment. Avoid damaging habitat and consider catch-and-release to help preserve the peacock bass population!
(Remember, local knowledge and specific conditions can greatly influence success, so connecting with local anglers and guides can provide valuable insights for the best fly fishing experience for peacock bass in your chosen location!)
I strongly recommend if you have the opportunity to visit this region to fish you won’t regret it! There's a plethora of stunning wildlife and scenery! The team at Turrall and Flies Online can certainly support you with expert advice and equipment!
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