Georgia · Georgia Coast
POMPANO FISHING
IN ST. SIMONS ISLAND
St. Simons Island is a solid destination for pompano fishing. Book a charter and target pompano with local experts.
About Pompano Fishing in St. Simons Island
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. Simons Island
Month-by-month availability for pompano in St. Simons Island, GA.
How to Catch Pompano in St. Simons Island
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. Simons Island
Top spots where local captains target pompano and other inshore species.
St. Simons Sound Flats
St. Simons Sound is the major tidal estuary between St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, and its expansive flats hold redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and sheepshead feeding on the rich oyster beds and spartina marsh edges. The sound's enormous tidal exchange creates strong currents that concentrate baitfish along channel edges and points. Sight-fishing for schools of redfish tailing on the exposed flats during low tide is the premier inshore experience on St. Simons Island.
Hampton River
The Hampton River flows between St. Simons Island and the mainland, creating a deep tidal channel where redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum hold along the dock pilings, seawalls, and oyster shell banks. The river's residential docks provide excellent structure fishing during higher tides when gamefish move up to feed around the barnacle-covered pilings. The Hampton River is one of the most accessible and productive inshore fishing spots on St. Simons Island.
Frederica River
The Frederica River runs along the western side of St. Simons Island past the ruins of Fort Frederica, winding through pristine marsh that holds excellent populations of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The river's historic character and natural shoreline create a scenic fishing experience alongside productive inshore waters. Kayak anglers favor the Frederica River for its shallow marsh creeks where tailing redfish can be sight-cast on falling tides throughout the warmer months.
Mackay River
The Mackay River separates St. Simons Island from the mainland to the north, and its tidal channel and associated marsh creeks hold redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and speckled trout year-round. The Sidney Lanier Bridge pilings spanning the river create a significant nearshore structure that concentrates sheepshead and black drum around the barnacle-encrusted concrete. Fishing the Mackay River bridge pilings on incoming tides with live shrimp or fiddler crabs is a proven technique for quality catches.
Other Species in St. Simons Island
More fish you can target while visiting St. Simons Island.
Pompano Fishing in St. Simons Island — FAQ
Pompano fishing in St. Simons Island is productive during .
Pompano fishing charters in St. Simons Island 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. Simons Island, your captain provides all required Georgia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Pompano regulations in Georgia 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. Simons Island, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia, Black Drum, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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