How To Catch Pompano

Pompano is a popular, flat, and silvery fish that features a wide forked tail that enables it to be a powerful swimmer. Pompano will put up a spirited fight when it is hooked. Additionally, it is also known as a tasty fish which makes it a target of many anglers. If you want to learn how to catch pompano, then this article will give you information and fishing techniques to help you catch more pompano.

How To Catch Pompano

1. How To Catch Pompano From The Beach

Fish for pompano on the beach early in the morning or late in the evening. Pompano will be on the far side of wave breaks and sand bars. They will be waiting for sand fleas and other small crustaceans to be taken off the beach and brought to them by the waves. Send your bait into the first trough off the beach that you identify. If you don’t get any pompano in that trough, then you can cast it further out.

As the sun comes up, pompano will move further off the beach to deeper water. You can then use a long rod and heavy pyramid sinker. Only let your bait sit for about 5 to 15 minutes after casting it. If you don’t get anything, reel it in and check it to make sure it hasn’t been taken by crabs or other fish.

There are many tackle combinations that you can use for catching pompano on the beach. One option is to use a spinning rod, a fish finder rig, 2/0 circle hooks, and a 12-pound monofilament line.

2. How To Catch Pompano From A Boat

When fishing for pompano from a boat, one tactic is to look for them on the down-current side of a bridge. They prey on the small crustaceans that the current pulls off the bridge pilings. If they are being fed with the small crustaceans from the bridge pilings, they won’t leave that area. This will make it easy for you to catch them using a boat.

Anchor your boat and send your line close to the current pilings. Pompano will be on one side of the bridge when the tide comes in and on the other side when the tide goes out. Therefore, you will have to move your boat if the tide changes or you will not get them when the tide changes.

About every 15 minutes, drop cut bait into the water to attract pompano. After eating the bait, they will come back to that area looking for more. This practice is called chumming and makes catching fish predictable.

Additionally, when fishing from a boat, let your bait sink to the bottom and then pull it up slightly, and then let it hit the bottom once again. This repeated maneuver will disturb the sand on the bottom and attract the fish. The weight on the sinker may need to be changed to a heavier one to get this done.

3. How To Catch Pompano From Pier

When fishing from a pier, look for structures that they hang around when preying on small crabs, clams, sand fleas, and shrimp. Logs, fallen trees, and wrecks are some of the structures to target when fishing for pompano from a pier.

Still fishing, jigging, casting, and drift fishing can be used to catch pompano from a pier. Lures such as jigs are also used when fishing for pompano from a pier.

4. How To Catch Pompano In Florida

When fishing for pompano in Florida, look for them off the beach, in grass flats, and around inlets. Pompano feeds off shrimp, crabs, sand fleas, and clams. You can also catch them using lures. Bottom fishing, casting, drift fishing, jigging, and trolling can be used when fishing for pompano in Florida.

5. How To Catch Pompano In North Carolina

When fishing for pompano in North Carolina, the best time to target them is from June to September. At this time, the waters are warmer and pompano will move into shallow waters around piers and the shore. Surf fishing is one of the best ways to target pompano in North Carolina. Shrimp, sand fleas, small crabs, clams, and bloodworms are some of the best baits for catching pompano. A basic surf fishing rig will get the job done.

Best Baits & Lures For Pompano

1. Sand Fleas

Sand fleas, also known as mole crabs or sand crabs, are highly prized bait for pompano fishing due to their effectiveness in attracting these sought-after fish. These small crustaceans inhabit sandy beaches and are commonly found burrowing into the sand near the water’s edge.

Anglers collect sand fleas by using specialized rakes or scoops to sift through the sand, capturing the burrowing creatures. Pompano is naturally drawn to the scent and movement of sand fleas, making them an irresistible bait option.

Anglers typically thread a single sand flea onto a hook, presenting it on a bottom rig or a pompano rig designed to keep the bait just above the sandy seabed where pompano feed. Sand fleas offer a natural and abundant food source for pompano, making them a preferred choice for anglers targeting these prized game fish along sandy shorelines and coastal areas.

2. Shrimp

Shrimp are a popular and effective bait choice for pompano fishing, prized for their natural scent and enticing movement in the water. Pompano are known to be opportunistic feeders and readily devour shrimp when presented properly.

Anglers often use fresh or frozen shrimp, either whole or in pieces, as bait for pompano. When targeting pompano with shrimp, anglers typically thread a piece of shrimp onto a hook, ensuring it is securely attached to withstand the force of casting and the attention of hungry fish.

Shrimp can be presented on a variety of rigs, including bottom rigs, pompano rigs, or jig heads, depending on the fishing conditions and angler preferences. Whether fishing from shore, piers, or boats, shrimp remain a reliable bait choice for enticing pompano and increasing the chances of a successful catch.

3. Clams

Clams are a popular and effective bait for pompano fishing, offering anglers a natural and enticing option to attract these prized sportfish. Pompano is known to forage for clams along sandy bottoms and near coastal structures, making them naturally drawn to this bait.

Anglers often use fresh or frozen clams, either whole or in pieces, as bait for pompano. Clams can be presented on various rigs, including bottom rigs, pompano rigs, or jig heads, depending on the fishing conditions and angler preferences.

Some anglers prefer to use clam strips or pieces threaded onto hooks, ensuring they are securely attached to withstand casting and the attention of hungry fish. Whether fishing from shore, piers, or boats, clams are a reliable bait choice for targeting pompano and increasing the chances of a successful catch.

4. Mussels

Mussels are a favored bait for pompano fishing due to their natural appeal and availability along coastal waters. Pompano is known to feed on small crustaceans and mollusks, making mussels an enticing option.

Anglers often use fresh or frozen mussels as bait, either whole or in pieces, depending on the size of the target fish and the fishing conditions. Mussels can be presented on various rigs, including bottom rigs, pompano rigs, or jig heads, to attract the attention of these prized sportfish.

Some anglers prefer to thread mussel pieces onto hooks or use them in combination with other baits to enhance their effectiveness. Whether fishing from shore, piers, or boats, mussels can be a reliable bait choice for targeting pompano and increasing the chances of a successful catch.

5. Small Baitfish

Small baitfish, such as mullet, pilchards, or anchovies, are highly effective bait for pompano fishing. These baitfish closely mimic the natural prey of pompano and can attract them with their scent and movement.

Anglers often use live or freshly cut baitfish to entice pompano, presenting them on rigs like pompano rigs or Carolina rigs. These baits can be fished from shore, piers, or boats, depending on the angler’s preference and the fishing conditions.

When targeting pompano, anglers look for areas with sandy bottoms and strong tidal currents where pompano are likely to feed. By presenting small baitfish in these areas, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into these prized gamefish.

6. Jigs

Jigs are popular lures for pompano fishing due to their versatility and effectiveness in mimicking small baitfish or crustaceans, which are the primary prey for pompano. Pompano jigs typically feature a weighted head and a colorful, often reflective, body material that imitates the appearance of prey.

Anglers can vary the size and color of the jig based on water conditions and the preferences of the fish. These lures are typically cast out and retrieved along the sandy bottoms where pompano are known to feed, or they can be vertically jigged from piers or boats.

Jigs are particularly effective when pompano are feeding aggressively or when targeting them in deeper water. Experienced anglers often tip the jig with a small piece of shrimp or fish for added scent and attraction. Overall, jigs provide anglers with a dynamic and productive option for targeting pompano in various fishing environments.

7. Glass Minnows

Glass minnows are commonly used as live bait for pompano fishing due to their natural appearance and enticing movement in the water. However, they can also be used as lures, particularly in the form of soft plastic imitations. These lures are typically designed to replicate the slender profile and translucency of real glass minnows, making them highly attractive to pompano.

Anglers can rig these soft plastic lures on jig heads or weighted hooks and cast them out into areas where pompano are known to feed, such as along sandy flats or near structures. Retrieving the lure with a twitching or jerking motion can mimic the erratic movement of live glass minnows, enticing strikes from hungry pompano.

Additionally, the versatility of soft plastic lures allows anglers to experiment with different colors and sizes to match the preferences of the fish and the prevailing water conditions. Overall, glass minnow lures provide anglers with an effective option for targeting pompano in a variety of fishing situations.

8. Pilchards

Pilchards, also known as scaled sardines or white bait, are commonly used as live bait for pompano fishing, but they can also serve as effective lures when targeting these prized gamefish. Anglers often use pilchard-shaped lures, which are typically made of soft plastic and designed to mimic the natural appearance and movement of real pilchards.

These lures come in various sizes and colors to match the forage available to pompano in different environments. Anglers can rig pilchard lures on jig heads or weighted hooks and cast them into areas where pompano are known to frequent, such as along sandy beaches, near jetties, or around submerged structures.

Retrieving the lure with a slow, steady retrieve or with a series of twitches and pauses can mimic the erratic swimming action of live pilchards, making them irresistible to hungry pompano. Pilchard lures offer anglers a versatile and effective option for targeting pompano in a variety of fishing scenarios, whether fishing from shore or a boat.

Pompano Fishing Tips

1. Sand fleas are one of the best baits to catch pompano. They also feed on small crabs and shrimp.

2. The temperature of the water is important for pompano. They migrate to schools going south in the winter and north as the weather warms up.

3. The timing of the “pompano run” will be different depending on where you are located.

4. When the water temperature gets closer to 62 degrees, the pompano begins to move. Target Pompano on beach when the temperature is in the range of 65 to 85 degrees.

5. Go to the beach during low tide and look for darker areas. Then go back to high tide and fish those dark areas you found during the low tide.

6. Fish for pompano where there are rip currents. You will find pompano and other game fish there preying on bait that is being swept offshore.

7. When the surf is slightly active and stirring up crustaceans on the bottom is ideal for catching pompano.

8. If you find an area of the beach with a lot of sand fleas or small clams, that is a good sign that you are in the right place to fish for pompano.

9. A spinning reel 3500 or 4000 series with a 12 to 15-pound test line can be used to catch pompano. Pompano usually comes in under 3 pounds and therefore you don’t need more than a regular tackle.

10. Pompano is a schooling fish. When you find some, there is a good chance that there are many more in that area.

11. Pompano are primarily bottom feeders and eat crustaceans, shrimps, clams, small baitfish, mussels, etc.

12. You can also catch pompano around inlets and passes. They like sand bars and sandy cuts that are close to the mouths of inlets.

13. You can fly fish and catch pompanos.

14. Find a pompano school on the down current side of a bridge.

15. Find sand fleas on the beach to use as bait.

16. Cast into the break of the surf and on the back sides of sand bars.

17. When fishing for pompano from a boat, chum every 15 minutes or more.

18. You can catch pompano by surf fishing.

19. Drifting the flats works well to catch pompano.

The Bottom Line

Pompano is a popular gamefish for anglers. It is sensitive to temperature and will migrate when the temperature changes. The key to catching pompanos is knowing when they go on a “pompano run” and fishing them in the right areas. Pompano is a schooling fish and is mainly a bottom feeder that preys on shrimp, sand fleas, and small crustaceans.

In this article, we shared information and fishing techniques to help you learn how to catch more pompano. If you catch walleye, the walleye fishing tips will give you more ideas on how to catch more walleye. You can also learn how to catch spotted seatrout from this article. You can also read how to catch salmon, how to catch croaker, how to catch whiting, how to catch tautog, how to catch African pompano, and how to catch snook.