Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

[Heinz CA.]

Am leaving for home today(CA), and am in W. Palm Beach, FL. for work. Yesterday at dock by Hilton(lots of fish) , I caught what the local guys say is an "Oscar", kinda looks like BIG colorful bluegill, orange, red, real pretty. Was about 2 lbs. What exactly is an Oscar????<br />P.S. Also caught 2, 2-3 lb bass!!!! <br />Thanks, Heinz

 

[JB]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Hi, Heinz.<br /><br />Oscars are (were?) popular aquarium fish. As they grow owners frequently release them into S. FL canals, where they have thrived.<br /><br />They are a native of S. America and are closely related to the sunfish family of N. America.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Well Heinz, you're right in my neck of the woods... I'm right around the corner, probably a mile and a half from the Hilton... Small world.. <br /><br /> I've caught many fish out of that little lake... <br /><br />Have a safe trip home..

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

What you caught is commmonly called a Tiger Oscar(Astronotus Ocellatus) which are in the cichlid family. As JB said they are found in S America. They can get to a good size filet and are considered good eating in other parts of the world.<br /><br />I have a 150 Gallion Aquarium which I actually raise them as a hobby. My breeders are about six years old and have attained 5lb. levels though in the wild can get to a good size filet.<br /><br />Mine come to top to feed on goldfish and other goodies from my hand. I have a small Minature pond in the back where they swim during the summer and breed. They are an aggressive predator and feed on live bait like their counter parts do. They are agg laters and will lay 1,000 eggs or more. Very protective until they pass the fry stage.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

gonfishin, what's the limit at your pond? LOL<br />

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

I also raise oscars. I have 5 that are all about 13-14 inches. Often wonder what size one of these guys would grow in the wild. Im in Wis. and in the winter have thought about pulling out ultra-light rods and getting a quick fix on one of mine.

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Mike,5-7 pound range....Found out record in Fla. for the oscar is 2.3 pounds...after doing a little research they are popular for those who like to fly fish...To cold for them up north to survive without hobbyist like us...

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Ok my wife says no but, I would love to set up one of them above ground pools in my basement and stock it with fish, get some ice fishin rods and wahla fishing yr round. My oscars could be the first in there....... Ok back to reality Wife says no pool in basement and no to fishing for my oscars ( she has become attached to them And isnt buying into the catch and release thing)

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Do what I did..go and buy those yard ponds you see at the garden centers....remember that the walking leash does not come with the kit. My Wife has to tuckem in at night and readsem a story before she turns the light out....Got a slot limit MM ifn you want to fish and a no wake zone must be enforced if you bring your toy.....

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Here in FL., caught an Oscar? What is it?

Sorry Mellowyellow hit the (m) by mistake......