Donated to multiple local families?
That's cop-speak for the boys in blue took 'em home.

I grew up and still live in Brevard County (Melbourne area).
Rivers are dead. If you caught something you wouldn't want to eat it. Nasty pollution.
I surf fish quite a bit as I live on the ocean.
Don't overlook freshwater fishing, though. St. Johns and Stick Marsh particularly.
Good luck!

Anyone fish Lake Istokpoga or Lake June recently?
Results or observations?
TIA

Throw a worm without weight. Slow retrieve.

You are a good man, JerryP.

Sorry to hear that.
One of my concerns is that homes on both lakes are on septic tanks and that plus fertilizer runoff may be contributing to the vegetation blooms.
Heavy building on Lake June, Placid Lakes development?
Your thoughts?

I'm looking to buy a home on either Lake Istokpoga or Lake June in the next 90 days so I can fish full time.
If anyone on this forum resides there or has knowledge of the area, I'd like to correspond, please.
Not seeking honey holes or fishing tips but more along the lines of potential gotchas associated with the area.
TIA.
Larry

I usually use whiting caught from the surf.
I fillet the fish, then soak it in salt water ovrenight.
Fish can then be prepared as you wish but the fish is so flavorful and delicate, that I often poach it.

Thank you to all who provided information.

Yes, I realize that Peacock Bass are not really members of the Bass family. I actually raise Aulonocare Peacocks, i.e. Sunshine, Ruby Reds, and German Red Peacocks. All are cichlids, of course.

The Peacock Bass were introduced by wildlife managers to keep invasive species under control. But they themselves are invasive species. Some likely came from aquariasts as well.

Your answers remind me that the Peacock Bass are not tolerant to cold water and, as a result, are typically found in only South Florida, particularly in the Miami-Dade canal system. They prefer rock structure and near deep water. Typical Largemouth rigs work fine on them, artificials or live bait. They fight like crazy so hang on!

Once the pandemic has settled down, I plan to take a trip down to the Miami area and wet a line or two. I'll let you know how I make out.

Thanks again for those who bothered to read my post before jumping on me.

Thank you, sir, for actually reading my question.
This is useful information.

Everybody done squawking?

I live in Central Florida but am very interested in fishing for Peacock Bass.
IIRC, there are canals with Peacock Bass in Miami-Dade.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
TIA! Larry

So sorry.
Thought I was talking with fishermen.
Didn't realize I'd inadvertently tuned into The View.
So much flapping about nothing.

That was so useful. SMH

I live in Central Florida but am very interested in fishing for Peacock Bass.
IIRC, there are canals with Peacock Bass in Miami-Dade.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
TIA! Larry

I fished that very canal for years. Lots of bass. It used to tie in to a nive pair of lakes in the compound - kind of 'H' shaped fishery. Last time I flew over it, they appeared to be dry.
But I also caught a nice tarpon there once on a gold Johnson spoon. Following the canals, they hook up to C-54 which, in turn, hook up to the Indian River which tie to the ocean at Sebastian Inlet. I think the tarpon were using the canals as a breeding ground.
Ask the kid if he ever sees the tarpon in there. This is a little late for the spawn IIRC.