Trachinotus carolinus
Streamlined, deep-bodied fish with no scales to speak of (very small, smooth scales). Silver back and sides with bright yellow-gold on the belly, pectoral fins, and anal fin. Small, blunt head with a downturned mouth. Deeply forked yellow tail.
Males and females are nearly identical. Males may have slightly more prominent forehead profile. Both reach similar sizes.
Average catch is 12-16 inches (1-2 lbs). Quality pompano run 16-20 inches (2-4 lbs). Fish over 4 lbs are exceptional. The world record is 8 lbs 4 oz, caught in Port St. Joe, Florida in 1999.
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.
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.
Minimum size limit of 11 inches fork length in most states. Bag limits typically 6 fish per person. Not a heavily regulated species.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.
Florida · Northeast
Alabama · Mobile Bay
South Carolina · Lowcountry
Mississippi · Gulf Coast
Georgia · Georgia Coast
Florida · Nature Coast
South Carolina · Lowcountry
Florida · Tampa Bay
Florida · Space Coast
Florida · Nature Coast
Alabama · Gulf Coast
Florida · Panhandle
Alabama · Mobile Bay
Florida · Northeast
Florida · Southeast
Alabama · Mobile Bay
Florida · Southwest
Florida · Panhandle
Texas · Upper Coast
South Carolina · Grand Strand
Alabama · Gulf Coast
Mississippi · Gulf Coast
South Carolina · Lowcountry
Florida · Nature Coast
Florida · Keys
Florida · Northeast
Georgia · Georgia Coast
Florida · Keys
Florida · Keys
South Carolina · Lowcountry
Louisiana · Southwest Louisiana
Florida · Keys
Florida · Southwest
Texas · Mid Coast
Florida · Space Coast
Florida · Southeast
Alabama · Mobile Bay
South Carolina · Grand Strand
South Carolina · Grand Strand
Florida · Southwest
Florida · Space Coast
South Carolina · Grand Strand
Mississippi · Gulf Coast
Alabama · Gulf Coast
Florida · Panhandle
Mississippi · Gulf Coast
South Carolina · Grand Strand
Florida · Panhandle
Texas · Mid Coast
Texas · Mid Coast
Texas · Mid Coast
Florida · Southwest
Georgia · Georgia Coast
Florida · Space Coast
Florida · Northeast
Florida · Tampa Bay
Georgia · Georgia Coast
Florida · Nature Coast
Florida · Southeast
Texas · Upper Coast
Florida · Tampa Bay
Florida · Tampa Bay
Georgia · Georgia Coast
Florida · Southeast
Expert tips, seasonal reports, and fishing guides featuring Pompano.
Naples beaches produce some of Southwest Florida's best pompano runs. Surf rigs, timing, and access spots.
Melbourne Beach sees strong pompano runs from fall through spring. Target them in the surf with the right rigs and timin
Seasonal Guide
Atlantic Beach's wide sand flats and gentle surf produce pompano in spring, drum in fall, and bluefish almost year-round
Destination Guide
Pawleys Island's uncrowded beach breaks hold pompano, whiting, and red drum in the wash. A complete surf fishing breakdo
Connect with experienced captains who specialize in inshore fishing.
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