I use a simple method to catch peacock bass live bait, a small hook, and a small ball of white bread; this is not a complex method. The typical live bait that you can catch for peacock bass in South Florida is bluegills and exotics such as jewel cichlid, Mayan cichlid’s, and spotted tilapia.
Recommended tackle
Table of Contents
Because we will be using small-eyed hooks, it’s essential to have a light line on your spinning combo of choice. 4-6 pound test monofilament is ideal because we have to tie a knot on a small hook eye to catch peacock bass bait.
Soft white sliced wonder bread has a buttery texture, making it easier to stay on the fishing hook. I try not to use other types of bread because they can be drier, and they can be more of a challenge for them to stay on your fishing hook
. Moist bread is the idea as those tiny circular pieces you put on your fishing hook hold up better once your fishing hook hits the water.
Once I make a tiny bred ball about the size of a green pea. I put it on the best fishing hook, Gamakatsu 02405, for catching your live bait. Live shiners for bait are adored by anglers in Florida and make a dynamic live bait choice for your fishing trip.
- Type of Hook: All Purpose
- Size: 8
- Color: NS Black
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These baits are typically 2″- 4″ inches in size; you can expect to pay around $9 to 10 dollars per dozen. The live shiners are convenient if you do not want to micro fish to catch your bait.
The geets-feets g-40 minnow trap is an economical alternative if you would like a more simple method of capturing your bait, load it up with bread or dry dog food, chuck it near some grass, wait about 30 minutes, and pull the trap, and see what you have caught.
Best way to keep live bait alive
Artificial lures are not for every angler, and that’s ok! Out of all the white bread brands out there, I defiantly like wonder bread the best. Why? I feel that this particular brand lasts longer fresh and has the correct consistency when I slightly wet it to make small balls of bait with it.
Keeping the live bait you just caught or bought at your local tackle store is essential. There is no worse feeling than taking a drive to your peacock bass fishing location to discover your live bait is dead.
The best way to make sure this does not happen is by purchasing a bait bucket with a quality lid and fish aerator to ensure they have plenty of oxygen and will be enthusiastic for when you put them on the hook.
- Frabill | Trusted By…
- 19 quart capacity live…
- Injection-molded body and…
Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Live bait FAQ’s
Do you need an aerator for live bait?
What size battery do most aerators use for live bait use?
Conclusion
These live bait aerator pumps run on a couple of D Batteries which last for many hours, making this system economical and cost-effective. Do you need help with deciding which air pump is right for you? check out our review on “The Top 5 Best Live Bait Fishing Aerator Pumps.”
Catching live bait for peacock bass is not hard. You have to set aside some extra time to fill up your live bait bucket before your fishing trip starts.

Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )
Michael loves fishing for peacock bass. He especially enjoys the great Florida weather and fishing in his backyard. Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and loves baseball.