Pompano is a species of marine fish belonging to the jack family. They are popular for both sports and commercial fishing, as well as due to their delicious taste. In this article you will find the answer to some common questions about pompanos in Florida, for example, when is the best season, what is the best weather, how big they are getting, where they can be caught and what are the popular places to catch them.
Florida pompano season is not fixed, but depends on the water temperature and the migration patterns of the fish. Generally, pompano are more active and abundant in warmer waters, between 70 and 80°F. The pompano fishing season in Florida starts in March when the water heats up and finishes in October when the waters cool down. The worst months for pompano fishing in Florida are January, February, November, and December. However, you can still catch pompano in Florida throughout the year, especially if you target them in the surf or in the inlets where they feed on small shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish.
Pompano fishing in Florida is affected by several weather factors, such as wind, rain, cloud cover, and moon phase. Pompano prefer calm and clear water conditions, so they tend to bite better when there is no wind or light wind, no rain or light rain, and bright sunlight. Windy or rainy days can make the water turbid and reduce the visibility of the fish. Cloudy days can also reduce the activity of pompano, as they feed more during sunny hours. The moon phase can also influence pompano fishing in Florida. Pompano are more active and aggressive during a full moon or a new moon, especially at night. A full moon is also a good time to target trophy-sized pompano.
Florida pompano are usually smaller than 3 pounds and less than 17 inches long, though the largest individuals can weigh up to 9 pounds and reach lengths up to 26 inches. Pompano grow fast and reach maturity at about one year of age. They can live up to 6 years in the wild. Pompano are deep-bodied fish with a compressed body and a blunt snout. They have a dark greenish-gray color on the back, shading to silver on the sides and yellow on the belly and fins.
Pompano can be caught in various locations in Florida, both from shore and from boat. Some of the most popular places to catch pompano in Florida are:
Surf fishing: Pompano are one of the main targets for surf anglers along the beaches of Florida. You can use sand fleas, shrimp, clams, or small jigs as bait and cast them into the troughs or sandbars where pompano feed. Some of the best beaches for pompano fishing in Florida are Playa Linda, Sebastian Inlet, Hutchinson Island, Hobe Sound, Juno Beach, Pompano Beach, Naples Beach, and Mexico Gulf Shores.
Pier fishing: Pompano can also be caught from piers that extend into the surf or into deeper water. You can use similar baits as for surf fishing or try live shrimp or small crabs. Some of the best piers for pompano fishing in Florida are Cocoa Beach Pier, Sebastian Inlet Jetty, Fort Pierce Inlet Jetty, Juno Beach Pier, Lake Worth Pier, Deerfield Beach Pier, Anglin’s Fishing Pier, and Naples Pier.
Inshore fishing: Pompano can also be found inshore and nearshore waters, especially along sandy flats, oyster bars, and seagrass beds. You can use small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas or try fly fishing with small shrimp patterns. You can drift along the flats or anchor near drop-offs or channels where pompano congregate. Some of the best inshore spots for pompano fishing in Florida are Indian River Lagoon, Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon, Matanzas Inlet, Stuart Inlet, Jupiter Inlet, Boca Raton Inlet, Biscayne Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and Pine Island Sound.
Some of the most popular places to catch pompano in Florida are:
Pompano Beach: As its name suggests, Pompano Beach is a great place to catch pompano in Florida. The city is located on the Atlantic coast, north of Fort Lauderdale. Pompano Beach has a long and wide sandy beach that attracts many surf anglers. You can also fish from the Pompano Beach Pier, which is free to walk and $6 to fish. Pompano Beach also has access to the Hillsboro Inlet, where you can find pompano in the deeper water or near the jetty.
Sebastian Inlet: Sebastian Inlet is another popular place to catch pompano in Florida. The inlet is located on the Atlantic coast, south of Melbourne. Sebastian Inlet is a state park that offers many fishing opportunities. You can fish from the beach, the jetties, the bridge, or the pier. You can also launch your boat from the park and fish in the inlet or offshore. Pompano are abundant in the surf and in the inlet, especially during the spring and fall runs.
Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay is a large estuary on the Gulf coast of Florida. The bay is home to many species of fish, including pompano. You can fish for pompano in Tampa Bay from shore, from piers, or from boats. Some of the best places to catch pompano in Tampa Bay are Fort De Soto Park, Skyway Fishing Pier, Gandy Bridge, Weedon Island Preserve, Picnic Island Park, and Apollo Beach .