Florida · Southeast
POMPANO FISHING
IN MIAMI
Miami is a solid destination for pompano fishing, with good fishing in March, April. Book a charter and target pompano with local experts.
About Pompano Fishing in Miami
One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf. Found in the surf and along sandy beaches.
Florida Pompano are among the most prized eating fish in the ocean — their rich, buttery flesh commands premium prices in restaurants. These torpedo-shaped fish have a silver body with a yellow-gold belly and fins, a deeply forked tail, and a small, downturned mouth. They travel in schools along sandy beaches, following the surf line to feed on sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, and small crustaceans. Males and females are nearly identical in appearance.
Scientific name: Trachinotus carolinus
Pompano Seasonal Calendar — Miami
Month-by-month availability for pompano in Miami, FL.
How to Catch Pompano in Miami
Techniques & Bait
Live sand fleas (mole crabs) are the ultimate pompano bait, fished on a double-drop pompano rig with a pyramid sinker in the surf. Fishfinder rigs with fresh-cut shrimp or Fishbites artificial baits (in shrimp or sand flea scent) are highly effective. From boats, small jigs (1/4-3/8 oz) tipped with shrimp or Fishbites bounced along sandy bottoms produce well. Doc's Goofy Jigs and pompano-specific teardrop jigs in pink, chartreuse, and yellow are favorites.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light surf rod (9-10 ft) or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft) for boat fishing. 3000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Size #1-1/0 circle hooks for surf rigs.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Miami
Top spots where local captains target pompano and other inshore species.
Biscayne Bay Flats
The shallow grass flats of Biscayne Bay offer world-class sight-fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the southern end near Elliott Key and Sands Key. The bay's crystal-clear water and expansive turtle grass beds make it one of the closest bonefish fisheries to any major U.S. city. Guides pole skiffs across the flats on calm mornings for trophy fish.
Government Cut
Government Cut is the main shipping channel entrance to the Port of Miami between Miami Beach and Fisher Island. Tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, and large barracuda patrol the channel edges and jetties year-round. Night fishing around the channel markers produces consistent action, especially during the spring and summer tarpon migration.
Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge
The Rickenbacker Causeway connecting Miami to Key Biscayne features bridge pilings and channel edges holding tarpon, snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. The adjacent flats on both sides of the causeway are prime territory for bonefish and permit on the higher stages of the tide. It is one of the most accessible urban fishing spots in South Florida.
Black Point Marina Area
The mangrove shorelines and flats around Black Point Marina in southern Biscayne Bay provide excellent snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing. The nearby channels connecting to Card Sound offer access to additional bonefish and permit flats on the oceanside. The area serves as a gateway between the bay and the upper Florida Keys backcountry.
Other Species in Miami
More fish you can target while visiting Miami.
Pompano Fishing in Miami — FAQ
Pompano fishing in Miami is productive during March, April.
Pompano fishing charters in Miami are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live sand fleas (mole crabs) are the ultimate pompano bait, fished on a double-drop pompano rig with a pyramid sinker in the surf. Fishfinder rigs with fresh-cut shrimp or Fishbites artificial baits (in shrimp or sand flea scent) are highly effective. From boats, small jigs (1/4-3/8 oz) tipped with shrimp or Fishbites bounced along sandy bottoms produce well. Doc's Goofy Jigs and pompano-specific teardrop jigs in pink, chartreuse, and yellow are favorites.
No — when you book a charter in Miami, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Pompano regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Pompano in Miami, you may also catch Sailfish, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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