Your right about Peacock bass shutting down in cold weather... I like water temperatures over 78 degrees. Over 80 is better. LOL. There is nothing like catching a peacock bass. For instance, after you catch a large mouth and "lip" him... the bass calms down. You grab a peacock bass by the bottom lip and he really starts fighting. LOL
Hawaii has great peacock bass fishing on Oahu and Kauai. The state shut down all commercial guiding on our lake... so no guides now
I've read about the peacock bass in South Florida canals, and talked with people who've fished there. A dream trip for me would be to fish South Florida for peacock bass and snakeheads. The snake head has a vicious strike and first run. And they are great eating.