Tilapia
Oreochromis spp. · common farmed species
Tilapia commonly live in ponds, lakes and rivers; some species tolerate brackish water. Pond conditions and permitted baits vary, so check with the operator.
Tilapia is a common name; species and hybrids vary by fishery.
What it eats in the wild
Many tilapia feed on algae, phytoplankton, insect larvae and detritus.
Bait to try
Try dough, pellets or small bread bait where allowed; start with a small amount.
Lures to try
Small lures can be tried for active fish; check whether lures are allowed at the pond.
Starter setup
A small float and hook make a simple starter rig; adjust depth to present bait near the bottom or feeding zone.
Local names can vary
Common names and the exact species can vary by region and fishery. Treat bait and rig advice as starting points, follow venue rules, and adjust to current, tide and conditions.
Photo credit: Sahat Ratmuangkhwang · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Species reference: FishBase
Browse fishing spots