Florida Pompano are found near the Gulf beaches where they can find shrimp and mollusks to feed on. The best method for catching Florida Pompano is bait casting, spin casting or still fishing using live bait or jigs.
Habitat: Ocean, Coastal Waters
How to identify Florida Pompano
The most distinguishing features on a Florida pompano are its yellow abdomen, pelvic/anal fins, throat, and ends of its tail fin. Its body is bluish-green, which transitions into silver/white flanks. It is flat on both sides and has a tall, thin appearance. These fish have short snouts and deeply forked fins. They have six spines separating their short dorsal fins.
Where to catch Florida Pompano
Although this fish is common in Florida, it is also present from Brazil up to Massachusetts and the Virgin Islands at depths up to 130 feet. In the summer, it will venture into the Gulf of Mexico and along Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In Florida, they prefer areas off of Palm Beach near pilings and coastal waters. It’s common to find them near grass/oyster beds, sandy bottoms near beaches, and cloudy waters.
The following are habitats where you can catch Florida Pompano:
- Estuaries
- Breakers
- Coastal Waters
- Jetties and Breakers
- Man-made Structures
- Mangroves
- Piers, Docks and Pilings
- Shore Points
- Surf and Shore
- Tidal Flats
How to catch Florida Pompano
These fish are known to be very aggressive fighters when they are caught, which can make them a challenge for beginners. Because they have small mouths, anglers should choose small hooks when fishing for them. Large hooks will only scare them away. Anglers have the best success bait casting, jigging or spin casting using live bait or lures during the summer and fall. Once winter settles in, pompanos move offshore.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Florida Pompano:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Florida Pompano
The best bait to use for the Florida pompano is live bait, such as worms or mollusks. They will also respond to brightly colored jigs, especially if the water is clear.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Florida Pompano:
