How To Catch Pompano From The Surf

Best Baits For Pompano

Mole Crabs (a.k.a. Sand Fleas) are pretty much hands down the preferred bait for Pompano. You can catch your own Sand Fleas utilizing a tool called a "Sand Flea Rake", of which the Exact Design Sand Flea Rake works well. The teeth on the unit make it easier to pull through the sand, and the curved handle is a a bonus. When Sand Fleas aren't available, small pieces of fresh peeled shrimp are next up, in fact some anglers actually prefer pieces of shrimp over the Sand Fleas. Small strips of cut squid work as well, but shrimp and sand fleas are generally preferred.

In terms of live, fresh, and frozen baits - live Sand Fleas will almost always be preferred. When these are not available, "freshly dead" shrimp and Sand Fleas tend to produce more bites and also stay on the hook better than previously frozen baits. Frozen shrimp and Sand Fleas should not be looked down upon however, since they do work well, but they can be tricky to get to stay on the hook on occasion. Squid is pretty much as good frozen or fresh.

One of the more recent trends is to either replace or supplement natural bait with Fishbites, an artificial bait that has kind of a leather-like texture and stays on the hook well. This product comes in different flavors / scents such as Sand Flea and Shrimp, and some anglers actually prefer this over natural bait. We cannot confirm nor deny if it actually tastes like Sand Fleas, but it does work.

No matter your selection, just make sure you keep your bait on the small side since Pompano don't have large mouths.

When To Fish For Pompano

The spring run is hands down the best time to fish for Pompano. Depending on where you are this may happen a little sooner or later in the springtime, but it is a reliable fishing event. The fall run is second best, but Pompano can be caught year round in many places. In the Pensacola and Destin areas the spring Pompano run generally comes through around the middle of April, and around late September through October we'll usually see the fall Pompano run. Fish are present throughout the summer as well but the action might not be quite as hot. You can catch fish any time of the day, but the early morning hours almost always bring the hottest action.

The Florida Pompano Season is open year-round, so right about now sounds like a good time!