Nothing in sport fishing compares to the explosion of an açu peacock bass smashing a lure on the surface. Here's how to choose and work the lures that trigger that strike.
Why peacock bass hit the surface
Peacock bass are territorial and visual. A noisy lure on the surface invades their space and triggers the attack instinct — which is why topwater is so deadly in the low, clear water of the Sucunduri.
Walkers: walk the dog
A walker zig-zags ("walk the dog") with short twitches of the rod tip. It's the lure for calmer water and for provoking fish holding tight to structure.
Plugs and propbaits
Propbaits make noise and spray water — perfect for calling fish from a distance in water with a little more current or wind. Retrieve in short pulls with pauses.
Cadence, pause and the hookset
Vary the rhythm until you find what the fish wants that day, and never set on the splash: wait until you feel the weight before driving the hook home. When in doubt, the strike lives in the pause.