Peacock Bass Fishing at Gatun Lake

The Peacock Bass is not a Panama autochthonous fresh water fish. It was introduced in the late 1950s. By 1964, the lakes and rivers present at the Panama Canal Watershed were overrun with the aggresive cichlids. Since then, The Peacock Bass or "Sargento" has become the dominant sport fish species in the area, providing sport fishing opportunities. The Peacock Bass is very appreciated by sport firshermen due to its fighting qualities. Many travel agencies now arrange international fishing trips specifically to catch peacock bass. The most common techniques for fishing Peacock Bass are similar to those for catching largemouth bass, with the notable exception that peacock bass usually will not strike artificial worms, a widely used lure among largemouth bass fisherman. In addition, fly fishing techniques, including lures such as poppers and large streamers, are becoming increasingly popular for catching them. Their eating quality is very good. Their flesh is white and sweet when cooked, and has very little oil, making it similar in taste to or snapper, or grouper. Also, they are not excessively bony. The presence of peacock bass in Panama has caused significant damage to the native fish assemblage, by eliminating seven out of 11 previously common fish species, and significantly reducing three others. Few measures can protect native fish once peacock bass have been introduced. After initial increase in abundance, introduced peacock bass often deplete local prey and resort to cannibalism. Therefore, by fishing peacock bass actually protects local fish.