Jurassic Park Fishing Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Fresh WorldClass Mojarra Fly Fishing Lake Ida

Fly Fishing for Mayan Cichlids on Lake Ida in Delray Beach

5.0

star_icon

47 Reviews

  • 5star_icon96%
  • 4star_icon4%
  • 3star_icon0%
  • 2star_icon0%
  • 1star_icon0%
Mexican Mojarra caught fly fishing at Lake Ida

The boat rocked gently as we cast our lines into Lake Ida. The sun peeked through scattered clouds. A light breeze carried the scent of water and fish. Suddenly my rod bent. I reeled frantically. A flash of silver broke the surface. The Mayaheros Urophthalmus fought hard. After a tense battle we netted the prized catch. Its iridescent scales gleamed in the morning light. A perfect day on the water.

Trip lead by the Captain

John Shanley
John Shanley
John Shanley
Delray Beach
  • Get crazy for fishing in FL with an expert!
Book A TripCopy LinkYoutubeFacebookInstagramX

Summary

Nestled in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida, Lake Ida offers an exciting opportunity for anglers to target the elusive Mayaheros Urophthalmus, commonly known as the Mayan Cichlid. As you cast your line into the shimmering waters, the lush greenery surrounding the lake provides a picturesque backdrop for your fishing adventure. The warm Florida sun sparkles on the surface, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. Skilled fly fishermen can be seen wading through the shallows, their rods arcing gracefully as they present their flies to these feisty fish. The Mayan Cichlid, with its distinctive orange-red coloration and black vertical bars, presents a thrilling challenge for anglers of all skill levels. These aggressive predators are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps when hooked. As you patiently wait for a strike, you might spot other wildlife along the shoreline, including herons stalking their prey or turtles basking in the sun. The tranquil atmosphere of Lake Ida is occasionally broken by the splash of a jumping fish or the excited shout of an angler who has just landed a prized catch. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking to try your hand at fly fishing, Lake Ida's abundant population of Mayan Cichlids promises an unforgettable day on the water in this beautiful corner of South Florida.

Tranquil Waters of Lake Ida

Nestled in the heart of Delray Beach Florida Lake Ida offers a serene escape for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing experience. The lake's calm waters reflect the vibrant blue sky and fluffy white clouds creating a picturesque setting for a day of fly fishing. Lush green trees line the shoreline providing shade and habitat for various wildlife adding to the natural beauty of this urban oasis.

The Mayaheros Urophthalmus commonly known as the Mayan cichlid thrives in these warm waters. This species native to Central America has found a home in South Florida's ecosystem. Anglers can test their skills against these feisty fish which are known for their striking appearance and spirited fights when hooked. The clear waters of Lake Ida allow for sight fishing adding an extra layer of excitement to the pursuit.

Fly Fishing Techniques for Mayan Cichlids

Fly fishing for Mayan cichlids in Lake Ida requires finesse and patience. Anglers often use light tackle and small colorful flies to mimic the insects and small baitfish that these cichlids feed on. The still waters demand precise casting and subtle presentations to entice these sometimes wary fish. As the sun moves across the sky casting long shadows on the water the bite can change requiring adaptability and keen observation from the angler.

Specie explored in this image

Mexican Mojarra
Mexican Mojarra
Species Name: Mexican Mojarra
Species Family: Cichlidae
Species Order: Perciformes
Habitat: Inshore, Coral Reefs, Ponds, Rivers, Lakes, Canals. Estuaries
Weight: 0 - 2 pounds
Length: 3" - 15"
The Mayaheros Urophthalmus, commonly known as the Mayan Cichlid or Mexican Mojarra, is a fascinating species that inhabits the waters of Lake Ida in Delray Beach, Florida. These fish are known for their striking appearance, with a body that ranges from olive-green to reddish-brown, adorned with dark vertical bars along their sides. Their eyes are a distinctive feature, often appearing as a bright blue or turquoise color that stands out against their darker body. In their natural habitat, Mayan Cichlids are adaptable and can be found in various environments, from freshwater lakes and rivers to brackish estuaries. This adaptability has allowed them to thrive in Lake Ida, where they have become a popular target for anglers. Fishing for Mayaheros Urophthalmus can be an exciting experience, as they are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights when hooked. During a typical fishing trip on Lake Ida, anglers might encounter these fish in areas with submerged vegetation or near structure like fallen trees or rocky outcroppings. The Mayan Cichlid's diet consists of smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, making them responsive to a variety of baits and lures. Their presence in Lake Ida adds to the diverse fishing opportunities in the area, providing anglers with a unique and challenging target species alongside other popular catches like Peacock Bass.

More species you can explore on this trip

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass

Other customer memories from this trip

The 26-foot center console fishing boat is designed for both offshore and nearshore fishing excursions. Its deep V-hull provides a smooth ride through choppy waters while maintaining stability. The spacious deck offers ample room for multiple anglers to cast simultaneously. The boat is equipped with state-of-the-art fish finding technology including GPS navigation and sonar. Multiple rod holders line the gunwales and there's a large live well to keep bait and caught fish fresh. A T-top provides shade and mounting points for additional equipment. The outboard motor delivers reliable power and fuel efficiency for long days on the water. Below deck storage compartments house safety equipment tackle boxes and coolers. The boat's versatile design allows for both trolling and bottom fishing techniques making it ideal for pursuing a variety of game fish species. With its rugged construction and well-thought-out features this vessel is ready to handle whatever challenges arise during a day of fishing on the open water.

Weather when the photo was taken

Jurassic Park Fishing Charters

Follow Us

FacebookInstagram

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Lake Exotics

Bass Bonanza

Morning Cast

Afternoon Bass

Bass Blast

Great peacock bass fishing

Embark on the ultimate adventure with Jurassic Park Fishing Charters and unleash your inner angler in the lake Ida waters! Book your thrilling expedition now and secure a chance to reel in your prized catches. Don't wait - seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create unforgettable memories while experiencing fishing like never before!

More about Jurassic Park Fishing Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap