Mayan cichlid — "atomic sunfish" to most of the anglers who catch them — are aggressive out of proportion to their size and they are everywhere in the South Florida canal and Everglades system. They will eat a bait far larger than looks reasonable, but a small profile gets far more bites.
How to fish for Mayan cichlid
Work canal edges, culverts, rock, and any shade line. Mayans hold shallow and close to cover and they are territorial, so a bait worked repeatedly through the same small area often draws a strike from a fish that ignored it the first two passes. Sight-fishing them in clear canal water is the most fun way to do it.
The Tiny TerrorEyz at 2" is the right size and falls slowly enough to stay in front of the fish. The C.A.L. 3" Paddle Tail Grubs on a light jig head are the other obvious choice, and they will out-fish almost anything if you keep them slow.
Bright colors get results — Chartreuse, Pink Ice, Electric Chicken. Light leader is fine; these fish are not shy. They are also excellent practice water for anyone learning to fish soft plastics before taking the same technique out on the flats.
