Florida's exotic panfish

[SteveGibson]

In South Florida, we have two panfish that are something else. Oscars and Mayan cichilids fight like no other panfish. They're super strong and fast.

You fish for them in South Florida waters the same way you'd fish for panfish anywhere. I usually start out with No. 10 poppers, and will switch to subsurface flies (Myakka Minnows) when the action slows.

The action and the fight are incredible.

[deathb4disco]

Steve,

What TFO models do you use? I have the Pro in 7wt and 9wt -- don't use them for panfish, though!

I kept tropical fish as a kid. The Oscar (and all other members of the Cichlid family) were well known for their "pugnacious" attitude.

[SteveGibson]

Steve,

What TFO models do you use? I have the Pro in 7wt and 9wt -- don't use them for panfish, though!

I kept tropical fish as a kid. The Oscar (and all other members of the Cichlid family) were well known for their "pugnacious" attitude.

I have a 1-weight TFO Finesse, 2-weight TFO Pro, 3-weight TFO Pro, 6-weight TFO TICR, 8-weight TFO TICR, 9-weight TFO TICRX and 12-weight TFO TICR.

And, yes, oscars are very pugnacious and aggressive. Best fight I've had in fresh water.

[dixieangler]

Yep. Been a good long while since I was down on Alligator Alley. The exotics are a lot of fun, especially on my little 4wt. Lots of Oscars there.

[ShellQuacker]

Aren't they considered invasive there? Talapia too?
Just curious.

[SteveGibson]

Aren't they considered invasive there? Talapia too?
Just curious.

Oscars got into South Florida's waters in the early 1950s. Perhaps someone who was moving dumped the aquarium in the backyard pond or canals.

Tilapia were imported in 1961, but I'm not sure why? I do know that there are several tilapia farms around and maybe they got into the system during a flood, birds carrying eggs, etc.

They're both here to stay.

[camofish]

cool, bright colors on that oscar. WTG :D

[caseydrew]

Very cool........might be something worth trying sometime.

[smoothlures]

Oscars got into South Florida's waters in the early 1950s. Perhaps someone who was moving dumped the aquarium in the backyard pond or canals.

Tilapia were imported in 1961, but I'm not sure why? I do know that there are several tilapia farms around and maybe they got into the system during a flood, birds carrying eggs, etc.

They're both here to stay.

Tilapia are great eating, and were more than likely imported as a food fish.
Don't know about the other one.

[john h]

most likely tiipia got in the waterways duing a flood, thats how the asian carp got in the waterways up here...its an old wifes tail bout birds carrying the eggs and pooping them elsewhere, thee digestive enzymes automatically kil any eggs they eat