What is a pompano?

 📚Submitted by:  🎣 https://www.facebook.com/jason.gunthers.1

What is a Pompano?

Pompano (most commonly the Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus) are sleek, silver, hard-fighting saltwater fish that cruise sandy beaches and near-shore waters.

They’re known for:

• ⚡ Explosive speed and strength

• 🌊 Living in the surf zone

• 🍽️ One of the best-tasting fish in the ocean

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Where do pompano live?

📍 Habitats

• Sandy beaches & surf

• Shallow coastal waters

• Inlets and passes

• Near sandbars and troughs

🌡️ Prefer warm water and move seasonally along the coast.

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How are pompano caught?

🎣 1. Surf Fishing (Most Popular)

Pompano feed close to shore, often right in the breakers.

Best baits:

• Sand fleas (mole crabs) ⭐ best

• Shrimp

• Clams

• Fish bites (synthetic bait)

✔ Use pompano rigs with floats
✔ Long casts into troughs & sandbars

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🧲 2. Jigs & Artificial Lures

• Small jigs

• Teasers and spoons

✔ Work best in clear water
✔ Fast retrieves trigger reaction strikes

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🎣 3. Pier & Inlet Fishing

• Drop rigs near the bottom

• Fish moving water during tide changes

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Best time to catch pompano

📅 Season:

• Fall through spring (peak varies by region)

🕒 Time of day:

• Morning & late afternoon

🌊 Conditions:

• Clean water

• Light surf

• Incoming tide

🔥 Cold fronts often trigger strong pompano runs.

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Are pompano good to eat?

😋 Outstanding

• Mild, buttery white meat

• Considered a premium table fish

• Excellent grilled, baked, or pan-seared

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Why pompano matter

🌱 Important surf-zone predator
🎣 Extremely popular recreational fish
💰 High commercial & restaurant value
🏖️ Indicator of healthy sandy-beach ecosystems

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Quick facts

• Feed mainly on sand fleas & small crustaceans

• Often travel in small schools

• Lightning-fast runs on light tackle

• Highly sensitive to water clarity