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Bonita Springs Peacock Bass Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Bonita Springs, FL
- $350 - $645 price range
- Updated Date: August 5, 2025
Summary
Ready for some top-notch bass fishing in sunny Florida? Captain Fred Gowdy's got you covered with his four-hour trip out of Bonita Springs. You'll be targeting peacock bass and snook, two of the area's most exciting catches. Fred knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a real treat whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. The trip kicks off at 10 AM, perfect timing to hit those prime fishing spots. With room for up to four people, it's a great way to spend a morning with friends or family. Just remember to grab your freshwater license before you head out. Fred's boat is set up for inshore fishing, so you'll be sticking close to the coast and exploring the rich fishing grounds nearby. It's a laid-back but productive trip, with plenty of chances to reel in some impressive fish and soak up the Florida sunshine. Don't forget your sunscreen and camera – you'll want to remember this one!
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Reeling in Bonita Springs
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Reeling in a huge Snook under partly cloudy skies in Bonita Springs!
Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an exciting day of deep sea action!
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Reeling in a huge Snook under partly cloudy skies in Bonita Springs!
Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an exciting day of deep sea action!
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Reel in Peacock Bass with Fred Gowdy Charters
Get ready to chase after some of Florida's most sought-after freshwater game fish on this action-packed trip with Fred Gowdy Charters. We'll be hitting the waters of Bonita Springs for four hours of non-stop fishing fun, targeting the colorful peacock bass and the elusive snook. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Fred's got you covered with his years of local know-how and passion for putting clients on fish.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off at 10 AM, which is prime time for these species to be active and feeding. Captain Fred's boat comfortably fits up to four anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and make a day of it. You'll be using light tackle and a mix of artificial lures and live bait to entice these hard-fighting fish. The peacock bass are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps, while snook will test your skills with powerful runs and crafty maneuvers around structure. Don't forget to bring your camera – the vibrant colors of a peacock bass make for some killer catch photos!
Gear and Techniques
On this trip, we'll be using a combination of spinning and baitcasting gear, matched to the size of fish we're after. For peacock bass, expect to throw small to medium-sized lures like crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. When targeting snook, we might switch it up with some live bait fishing using shiners or pilchards. Captain Fred will show you the ropes on proper casting techniques, working different types of lures, and how to detect those subtle bites. And here's a pro tip: when a peacock bass hits, set the hook hard and keep that line tight – these guys are known for their incredible strength-to-size ratio!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Peacock Bass: These colorful fighters are actually cichlids, not true bass, but they fight like their largemouth cousins on steroids. Originally from South America, they've found a perfect home in Florida's warm waters. Expect to catch fish in the 2-4 pound range, with the occasional trophy pushing 7 or 8 pounds. They're most active in the warmer months and love to ambush their prey, so working lures near structure or drop-offs can lead to explosive strikes.
Snook: The legendary "linesider" is one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. These silver-sided predators are masters of their environment, using mangrove roots, docks, and other structures to ambush prey. We'll be targeting fish in the 20-30 inch range, but don't be surprised if we hook into a monster over 40 inches! Snook fishing is at its peak during the warmer months, especially around the full and new moons when they gather to spawn. Their hard-fighting nature and delicate mouth make them a true test of an angler's skills.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the waters around Bonita Springs. The mix of freshwater and brackish areas creates a unique ecosystem where you can target both peacock bass and snook in the same trip. It's like getting two bucket-list species for the price of one! Plus, with Captain Fred's local expertise, you're not just fishing – you're getting an insider's tour of some of the best spots in the area. He knows where these fish like to hang out and what they're biting on any given day, which means more time with bent rods and less time searching.
Top Catches This Season
While every day on the water is different, we've been seeing some killer action lately. Peacock bass have been crushing topwater lures in the early mornings, with some anglers landing fish over 5 pounds. The snook bite has been on fire around the mangrove edges, especially on incoming tides. One group last week managed to land a 38-inch snook that put up a fight worthy of a Florida fishing story! Remember, it's not just about the size – the thrill of battling these hard-fighting fish in their natural habitat is what keeps folks coming back for more.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to tangle with some of Florida's most exciting gamefish, now's the time to lock in your trip with Fred Gowdy Charters. Whether you're looking to check peacock bass off your bucket list or test your skills against the mighty snook, this four-hour adventure has got you covered. Remember to secure that freshwater fishing license before you arrive, and Captain Fred will take care of the rest. With limited spots available and the fish biting, don't wait to book your chance at some world-class fishing action in Bonita Springs. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even land the catch of a lifetime!
Learn more about the species
Peacock Bass
Peacock bass are a real treat to chase in our local waters. These colorful fighters usually run 12-14 inches but can get up to 35 inches. You'll find them in warm, slow-moving freshwater - lakes, ponds, and canals. They love hanging out in shaded spots under bridges or near fallen trees. Spring and fall are prime times, with March to June and September to December being hot periods. Anglers love peacocks for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They'll hit topwater lures hard, making for some exciting action. Light tackle with 12-15 lb test works well. Live golden shiners are peacock candy, but artificial lures like jigs and crankbaits produce too. One local trick: target canal intersections and dead-ends where peacocks ambush prey. Just remember, these guys can't handle cold water, so stick to the warmer months. And don't forget that freshwater license - it's required to tangle with these South American transplants that now call Florida home.
Snook
Snook are one of our prized gamefish here in Bonita Springs. These sleek predators can grow up to 4.5 feet, but most run around 1.5 feet. You'll find them in estuaries, lagoons, and shallow coastal waters, often around mangroves and other structure. They're ambush feeders, using their powerful tails for quick bursts to nail prey. Snook are temperature sensitive, so fishing heats up in warmer months, especially May to September during spawning. Anglers love snook for their hard fights and crafty tactics. They're known for running for cover and cutting lines on oyster bars. Light tackle and a variety of lures work well - soft plastics, topwaters, and even some bass lures can be effective. One local tip: focus on tide changes around mangrove shorelines. Snook often stack up to ambush bait being swept past. Just be ready for explosive strikes and powerful runs - these fish don't give up easily!
About the 20' Carolina Skiff
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
Ready to reel in some peacock bass? Hop aboard with Fred Gowdy Charters for a laid-back fishing trip in Bonita Springs. Captain Fred knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on the fish, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. This four-hour adventure kicks off at 10 AM, perfect timing to catch the fish when they're most active. You and a buddy can join in, targeting colorful peacock bass and hard-fighting snook. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing - Captain Fred's got you covered with tips and tricks to improve your chances. Just remember to grab your freshwater license before you arrive, and you'll be all set for a fun day on the water. With Fred's local know-how, you're in for some quality fishing in one of Florida's prime spots.
