Florida · Tampa Bay
POMPANO FISHING
IN ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is a solid destination for pompano fishing, with peak season in April and good catches in March, May, October. Book a charter and target pompano with local experts.
About Pompano Fishing in St. Petersburg
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 — St. Petersburg
Month-by-month availability for pompano in St. Petersburg, FL.
How to Catch Pompano in St. Petersburg
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 St. Petersburg
Top spots where local captains target pompano and other inshore species.
Fort De Soto Flats
Fort De Soto Park encompasses several islands at the southern tip of Pinellas County, surrounded by expansive grass flats teeming with snook, redfish, and trout. The park's protected waters and diverse habitat make it one of the top inshore fishing destinations in the Tampa Bay area. The mangrove-lined shorelines and sand bars hold fish year-round in crystal-clear water.
Weedon Island
Weedon Island Preserve sits on the eastern shore of St. Petersburg, with miles of mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars holding snook, redfish, and trout. The preserve's diverse habitat supports an incredible density of inshore gamefish throughout the year. Kayak anglers especially love the winding mangrove tunnels that lead to hidden fishing holes.
Pinellas Bayway
The Pinellas Bayway bridges connect St. Petersburg to the barrier islands, creating current funnels that attract snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper around the pilings. The bridge shadow lines are especially productive during hot summer months when fish seek shade. Night fishing under the bridge lights produces trophy snook from May through September.
Boca Ciega Bay
Boca Ciega Bay is a shallow, protected bay west of St. Petersburg with grass flats, spoil islands, and residential canals holding snook, redfish, and trout. The bay's warm, sheltered waters make it an excellent year-round fishery, with winter fishing particularly strong when fish seek warm water refuges. Its proximity to Gulf passes brings in seasonal migrations of tarpon and cobia.
Other Species in St. Petersburg
More fish you can target while visiting St. Petersburg.
Pompano Fishing in St. Petersburg — FAQ
The peak months for Pompano fishing in St. Petersburg are April. During these months, Pompano are most active and abundant in the St. Petersburg area.
Pompano fishing charters in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg, you may also catch Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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