Tucs spawn

[kahuna bass]

Greetings all,

Just wanted to know what time of year do Tuc's spawn. Are they just like large mouth bass, where the male protects the nest?

Most large mouth bass here in San Diego, start the spawn as early as late February, to late May. Sometimes, if conditions are right, they might even try to spawn a couple times of the year.

Looking forward to fishing for Tuc's, in early February.

Do the old road runner baits still work for Tucs?

Mel - Kahuna bass

[Stan Wright]

That's the way it was with us last year.... The Tukes (Peacock Bass) started spawning in late Feb. all the way into July.

It's really exciting to work the shore line looking for those big spawners. With Peacock Bass the male is the larger of the two fish. They are in shallow water right next to the shore.

Both fish guard the nesting site, from the time they choose a spot, watch over the eggs, and then guard the fry until they are about 3 or 4 inches long. When the two tukes are guarding the nest you can't push them off it with a boat paddle.

If you cast your fly into the nest, they will either blow it away from the nest like blowing on a feather, or attack it with a vengence.
Chris likes to use a large white plastic lizzard. He'll cast past the nest and then hop the lizzard into the nest. The fish picks up t he lizzard and carries it 3 or 4 feet then spits it out. It all happens so fast you can't set the hook most of the time.

Accurate casting is a must.... if the lure or fly is one foot off the mark the fish will not even notice it. Your cast has to hit an area the size of a hat or be totally ignored. One lady described it as "Like those fish ponds at the State Fair.... you have a magnet on the end of your pole and line and need to put that magnet right on top of that metal fish to win a prize".

We usually catch only one of the two fish and allow the other to guard the nest. No use stressing both fish when there are lots more bedding fish to be found.

Another exciting part of spawning is when the two large adults are guarding the fry. The smaller 2, 3, and 4 pound tukes try to rush in and eat the ball of fry. During those times any lure run within 4 or 5 feet of the fry will be attacked by an up set parent, or a marawding tuke trying to steal one of the babies.

Then, just when you've located 30 or 40 nesting sites in one foot of water, the rain comes and the water level rises 4 feet. Now, even if you can locate the fish, you can't see it when it takes the bait.....

LOL
Aloha,
Stan

[Guest]

Thanks Stan!

I've decided to delay my trip to Hawaii until April. Hopefully the Tuc fishing will be much more aggressive.

Sounds like flipping is a way to go, during the spawn. Tossing a large bright jig/swimbait/plastic on a nest might do the trick. Brighter the better. All reaction.....flip and set!!

By the way, any information on tube fishing? with waders?

Thanks

Mel - Kahuna bass