Rainbow Bass, Wolf Cichlids, Lagunero, Dow Cichlid, or whatever you call them, there’s no denying that the markings and range of colors of the fish are truly beautiful. So much so that the locals affectionately call them “guapote”, or the “handsome one”.
The male Guapote displays red and green on their lumpy heads, before turning into a deep purple body as they mature. Speckled with blueish purple dots and dark vertical bars, the local name of this fish is quite justified. But even if they don’t come across as handsome to you, these freshwater fish certainly have a look that you won’t forget.
Rainbow Bass fishing experience is also one of the tops for freshwater fishing in Central America.
Since you are here to know more, we will dive into the details of the habitat, history, fishing techniques, and more – about the fish. You can find answers to some commonly asked questions at the end if you have any confusion.
Let’s get into it then!
What is a Rainbow Bass?
To start off, the Rainbow Bass (Parachromis dovii) is a species of cichlid fish usually found in deep waters. However, these carnivores sometimes emerge on the surface of the water to forage and sleep. It is an excellent fish to fight and is therefore sought after as a gamefish.
Distinguishing them is easy because of their rainbow-looking hue, bulge on the head, and dark vertical stripes on the sides. But don’t confuse them with the Peacock Bass though. They do have similar prominent stripes but do not display the same colors and are a bit bigger than the rainbow bass.
These smart cichlid species can sense the change in wind and weather conditions, and instinctively feed when the weather is poor. Hence, rainbow bass fishing is best preferred in the dry season.
All You Need to Know About the Rainbow Bass
How Big Does a Rainbow Bass Get?
These striking predator species of the cichlid family generally grow up to a total length of 28 inches. Most rainbow bass caught by anglers weighs anywhere between 3-10lbs. However, in 1999 a 15-pound monster wolf cichlid was caught in Nicaragua.
Can You Eat Rainbow Bass? What Does it Taste Like?
While the big scales, bony head, and drab color of the Guapote do not appear to be appetizing, they are known to taste amazing. The internals are a bit boney but the white soft meat is sure to make your mouth water. People residing in some parts of Central and South America love to feast on this fish.
On the contrary, the Guapote is a relatively scarce species and anglers should release them. Check your local laws on the fish if you really want to give it a taste.
What Do They Eat?
In terms of diet, the rainbow bass is a carnivorous fish. They feed on other fish and crustaceans. They usually hide under fallen trees and other covers, only to dart out and attack the smaller fish. In addition to that, they also eat frogs and insects.
Where Do Rainbow Bass Live?
Rainbow bass are common predators in rivers and lakes in Central America. They are most notably available on Lake Arenal and the Caribbean coast near the Nicaraguan border in Costa Rica. However, they occur in some parts of Nicaragua and Honduras too.
Anglers’ Guide to Catching Rainbow Bass
Guapote are known to be very intelligent and aggressive. They are not too hard to find, but these notorious predators will do everything possible to escape.
But don’t worry though, you can still go home with a trophy photo if you know what you are doing. Just follow the tips and techniques mentioned ahead and you’ll be prepared to catch some Guapote in the water.
What Bait Should I Use for Catching Rainbow Bass?
Any small fish living in the area you are fishing for rainbow bass would work great as live bait. They also like to eat the river shrimps commonly found in the weeds.
Try to cast at the edge of weed lines and keep your fingers in contact with the line to feel it bite. As we said before, the Guapote are infamous predators. If you let this notoriously quick fish get away once, you are probably not getting it back.
How about Lures?
Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzz baits are the three most common lures used for catching these aggressive carnivores. Spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse are probably the easiest. But topwater lures work fine too.
However, the larger guapote often hides in deeper and darker water, making deep diving lures the best choice if you are aiming big.
and Tackle?
You can fish the rainbow bass with the same tackle you would typically use for Largemouth Bass in the USA.
Baitcasting or spinning tackle works perfectly fine for these predators. Many anglers recommend using no lighter than a 12lb line, preferably a 20lb one along with rods about six feet long for guapote fishing.
Rainbow Bass Fishing On The Fly
These feisty freshwater game fish are so aggressive that they can also be caught on the fly. Wet flies are great in most cases but Shrimp flies work better when these ambush predators are feeding deep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Rainbow Bass live in Costa Rica?
The rainbow bass is found throughout Costa Rica in rivers and lakes. Lake Arenal is the anglers’ favorite fishing spot for the rainbow bass.
Are Rainbow Bass really bass?
The rainbow bass is not actually from the “Bass” Family. But they belong to the cichlid family along with its relatives like Peacock Bass, Angel Fish, or Oscars.
Where Can I Find Rainbow Bass?
The rainbow bass is commonly encountered in freshwater lagoons, rivers, and lakes. They like to hide in bushes, weeds, or any thick cover they can find. Sunken trees and rocks are also common hiding places for these species.
Final Words
Whether you just want to take a break from saltwater fishing or challenge yourself in the water, the rainbow bass is a great fish to catch. You might need to spend quite some time casting and reeling in the water, but this fish is really worth the effort.
We discussed some common facts and details about the rainbow bass and covered the most important of the fishing techniques used by experienced anglers. We hope you are now ready to catch this mesmerizing species of fish.
Have a great time in the water. Happy fishing!