Howdy,

I was wondering if anyone has any proven fly patterns for this exotic introduced (imported) in 1961 and found throughout central and southern Florida with a few isolated populations further north. Sometimes mistakenly called a Nile perch. I know I could probably chum and use doughball type flies maybe made out of chenille, pompom, or something. Also maybe a San Juan Worm or aquatic worm fly. But I am really looking for some "proven" patterns.

My reason for asking is that my brother-in-law saw some on Lake Jackson in about four to six feet of water and wanted to know how to catch them.

Standard baits for them according to the FWC Sporting Quality heading.
Not normally known for their angling quality. The exception being some urban anglers catch these in ponds using small pieces of hot dogs, bread balls, dog food, or live worms; no bag or size limits. They are rarely caught on artificial lures. There is also a group of avid bow anglers that target this species.
Helpful links

[url=http://www.floridafisheries.com/Fishes/non-native.html#tilapia:2b0b5]Blue Tilapia[/url:2b0b5]

[url=http://www.floridafisheries.com/Fishes/Restricted.html#res-tilapia:2b0b5]Tilapia[/url:2b0b5]

Thanks for any help.


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Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL

"Flip a fly"

[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 21 May 2006).]