From the vast "River of Grass" to 1,400 miles of urban canals teeming with peacock bass — South Florida's freshwater fisheries are unlike anywhere else on earth, blending wilderness and city fishing in a subtropical paradise.
South Florida's freshwater fisheries exist in two very different worlds. The first is the Everglades ecosystem — a vast, slow-moving river of grass covering 1.5 million acres, one of the most unique wetland systems on the planet. The second is an intricate network of over 1,400 miles of canals built for flood control, now home to some of the most productive urban fishing in the world.
The canals of Miami-Dade and Broward counties hold a remarkable population of peacock bass — a South American species introduced in 1984 that has thrived in South Florida's warm waters. These aggressive, colorful fish are now a major draw for anglers from around the world.
South Florida has the warmest freshwater in the state. Peacock bass thrive in these warm temperatures and are active year-round. The rainy season (June–October) raises water levels significantly, affecting fish location and access.
Butterfly peacock bass were introduced to Miami-Dade canals in 1984 to control invasive baitfish. They thrived beyond expectations and now support a world-class sport fishery. Florida holds the world record at 9.08 lbs.