Fly Rods

This may be the most important piece of equipment you will take with you on your trip. Peacock Bass fishing is fast and furious. It is possible to make over 500 casts in one day. The average cast only needs to be 30-60 feet but it is important to be accurate and get your flies close to your target. The flies are large and have some wind resistance to them and the fly lines have very aggressive tapers. This also makes it a benefit to have a newer, lightweight, fast action rod like the Sage Salt.

Take more than one rod and be ready to have at least 2 rigged up at all times. A good way to go is to rig up a sinking line on a 9 weight and a floating line on a 10 weight.

9ft. 9-10 Weight fast action Saltwater type fly rods are recommended. 8 weights are o.k. but both anglers fish at the same time. It is tough to cast a big streamer or popper from the middle of the boat with a little breeze and an 8 weight.

Our favorite reel is the Abel Super 8 with the Peacock Bass finish!

Note: Practice casting before your trip. Getting the timing down with your rod and fly line can really help get into the groove on the first day or two. This will also give you an idea if your rod can handle the line you have for it. There have been instances where anglers have had a hard time casting big flies on a fly rod that can’t handle the load. This is another reason we like the Sage Salt. It has larger guides, is very lightweight and was designed to cast newer lines a long way. (A benefit on a casting intensive trip like this one).

Fly Reels

The 2 most important things about a fly reel for Peacock Bass are lightweight and a good drag. A heavy reel will make it tough to make lots of casts over a 6 or 7 day fishing trip. Peacocks will not peel off 100yds of drag like a bonefish but they will however try to get into cover with furious runs. If you do not have a drag that can handle 40 pound tippet it can make it tough to keep one of these bruisers under control. You don’t have to overdo it on size. You will be fishing in fresh water so a saltwater proof reel is not that important.

Note: Lightweight reels like Lamson or Galvan are good choices. They have good drag systems and are very lightweight compared to some others.