What Kind of Crazy Fish Hits These Lures?

Peacock bass are not your average gamefish. These apex predators explode on lures with incredible aggression and power—especially when in full feeding mode. That’s why some of the top-producing lures for these fish are oversized, noisy, and downright wild-looking. When you see the size of some prop baits, you may wonder, “What kind of crazy fish attacks that?” The answer: the giant peacock bass of the Amazon.

When peacocks are crashing bait in a feeding frenzy, you could probably throw a sandal and get a strike. But when conditions are less than perfect—and they often are—lure selection becomes critical. The following guidelines cover the most productive options and when to use them.

If you're fishing with Acute Angling, we provide all lures as part of your all-inclusive trip. Your fishing guide will ensure you're using the right lure at the right time and in the right way. If you're fishing with another company, you’ll need to bring your own tackle—so focus on the proven winners listed below.

Top 4 Lure Categories for Peacock Bass

1. Choppers and Poppers

These are the most iconic lures in peacock bass fishing—big, loud, and responsible for some of the most explosive topwater strikes you’ll ever experience.

We recommend bringing at least six prop baits in a variety of colors and sizes, focusing on models in the 1-2 oz range. Smaller prop baits can be used but strong/saltwater grade hooks and splits rings are needed for trophy-class fish. If you have standard freshwater hooks and rings you will need to swap them out.

Our top picks include:

These baits shine in slightly choppy or stained water, when their vibration helps fish locate the target. Few things match the adrenaline rush of a giant Amazonian peacock bass fish crushing a prop bait.

2. Jigs

If there’s one lure you can’t afford to be without, it’s a properly tied ½ oz. peacock bass jig. Strip it in like a streamer fly pattern by reeling after each jig. Don’t jig it slowly like a largemouth bass lure. Peacocks hit moving lures. They rarely take a lure on a slow drop.

No lure catches more peacock bass under varied conditions. We provide all jigs on our trips, but if you’re tying your own or shopping ahead, go for Sidewinder's Peacock Bass Rattle Jig. Use wide-gap 6/0 extra-strong hooks and tie in vibrant colors like yellow/red or red/white.

Plan to bring at least 12–24 jigs, especially if fishing in piranha-laden waters. For tying tips and materials, check out our dedicated Peacock Bass Jig Guide.

3. Subsurface Lures

Swimming plugs are versatile, easy to use, and effective across a range of Amazon conditions. They perform well in clear or stained water and are a great option when fish are holding subsurface. Bring at least six, and vary the action and speed until the fish show a preference.

Top options include:

4. Walking Stickbaits

Sometimes, surface action is the ticket. Walking baits create a side-to-side "sashaying" motion (also known as “walk the dog” retrieve) that can trigger brutal strikes, especially in calm water or when fish are wary. Three to four of these should be enough for the trip, especially if you mix in a few quiet topwaters for flat water conditions.

Top options:

Soft Plastics: Effective but Vulnerable

Soft plastic baits can be very effective for catching peacock bass, especially in calm water or when fish are finicky. Paddle tails, swimbaits, and flukes rigged on jig heads or weighted hooks often produce solid strikes, particularly when fish are holding deeper or avoiding topwater.

But there’s a tradeoff—durability. Peacock bass are aggressive and known for tearing up soft plastics quickly, even on a single fish. And there’s a bigger issue lurking in the water: piranhas. These toothy nuisances are notorious for shredding soft plastic baits.They can be a good option when the situation calls for a subtle presentation, but be prepared to lose several of them a day.

Additional Lures to Consider

While most of your success will come from the four categories above, a few specialty baits can fill in the gaps when conditions get tough.

Matching Lures to Water Conditions

Here's a quick guide for choosing the right lure based on water clarity, surface conditions, and light level:

• Choppy or stained water: Go loud—use a prop bait or rattle jig.

• Calm, clear water: Try a quiet topwater like a Zara Spook or a silent swimmer like the Red Fin.

• Bright light or hot weather: Consider a deeper-running lure or jig.

• When fish won’t commit on top: Switch to a swimming plug or jig and work it patiently.

• When there is high water: Loud noisy lures like a prop bait.

Don’t be afraid to change lures or vary your retrieve. Often, just one small adjustment can trigger a bite.

Upgrade Your Hooks: Amazon Demands Tough Gear

One of the most common mistakes anglers make is bringing lures straight out of a U.S. tackle box without checking their hardware. Standard freshwater hooks may be fine for largemouth or smallmouth bass—but they simply won’t hold up against the brutal strength of an Amazon peacock bass.

These fish strike violently, shake aggressively, and will test your gear on every hookset. To avoid heartbreak, swap out standard hooks and split rings for saltwater-grade replacements. You need heavy-duty, extra-strong components built to withstand the pressure and power of the Amazon's top predators.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're chasing a new peacock bass world record or just looking to land the next big fish of your dreams, it all starts with using the right tools. Every trip presents new challenges—changing water conditions, light levels, and fish behavior. The anglers who adapt and choose wisely tend to land the biggest and most memorable fish.

If you're fishing with Acute Angling, you're in good hands. Our guides are professionals and have years of experience helping anglers land giant peacock bass. And we handle all of the gear for you, from lures to rods and reels, we have you covered! Some anglers bring “lucky” lures or favorites from home. That’s fine—just don’t overpack. Stick to what works and remember that all tackle must meet airline weight restrictions and lures are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

But wherever you go, come prepared, pack smart, and match your tackle to the fishery. The Amazon rainforest fishing experience is one of the wildest and most rewarding in the world—and the right gear makes all the difference.

Now check out our incredible Amazon peacock bass trips!