Because pompano are not particularly leader-shy (unlike their cousin, the permit), you can get away with using heavier leader setups, which is a good idea, especially when fishing in areas where other species are likely to be.
Do you need a leader for pompano?
As we mentioned earlier, pompano do not get bigger than 9 pounds. Therefore, any line between 10 and 15 pounds should be ample to handle these fish easily. With that in mind, if you plan on making powerful casts or using heavy equipment, it is very important to connect a shock leader to your main line.
Who is the pound leader for pompano?
Sliding Sinker Rig or Fish Finder Rig
Surf fishing for pompano using this type of rig is one of the most popular methods. Try 2/0 circle hooks, a pyramid weight, and 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader material. The best type of pompano bait to use on this type of rig is a sand flea.
What time of day is best for pompano?
Bright sunlight (after 10 a.m. is the best angle), clear water and little to no wind are optimal.
How long should a pompano rig be?
The distance from the hooks and the main line will be about 6 or 7 inches. This design keeps your baits off of the sand and away from hungry crabs that love to steal your pompano baits.
What time of year do pompano run in Florida?
The Florida pompano lives in the surf zone that laps Alabama’s sugar sand beaches year-round, but the tasty fish are more plentiful when the water is warmer from March through October with the peak fishing season in the spring.
What tide is best for pompano fishing?
High tide is the best time to fish for pompano but you can catch them during just about any part of the tide. It is just easier to get at them during the higher parts of the tide.
Are redfish leaders shy?
What size leader is best for redfish? The answer is 25 pound leader size. That is the best all around leader size for catching redfish in most inshore fishing scenarios that you will encounter. Redfish rarely leader shy so you can get away with a larger leader size even when the water is crystal clear.
Are pompano rigs good?
If used correctly, the Pompano rig is one of the most effective rigs for catching Pompano and a variety of other fish. After the fish finder rig, the Pompano rig is my next favorite rig to use. One of the best things about catching whiting, pompano, and other beach creatures is the convenience of fishing for them.
How far do you have to cast for pompano?
How far you should cast when surf fishing for Pompano largely depends on the conditions. A good rule of thumb is to bring two rods and cast them at different lengths within 60 yards (54m) into the surf. That way, you can know where Pompano is and place your efforts there.
Can you catch pompano at low tide?
During the high tide the pompano will be very close to shore. You can catch them within 10 feet of where you are standing on the beach. BUT during low tide you will have to get your baits out to the outside edge of the sandbar for the outgoing tide and inside edge of the sandbar for the incoming tide.
What size hooks for pompano?
1/0 hook
A 1/0 hook size is usually the preferred size for pompano. Go a little lighter on the tackle if you’re after whiting, which rarely exceed two pounds. Look for spots with the clearest water, where the fish can sometimes be spotted in schools of three to six fish.
What do pompano bite on?
The best baits for pompano are sand fleas and shrimp fished with a pompano rig. The best lures for pompano are pink or orange banana jigs or white and pink pompano feather jigs fished off of the beach or around inshore sand bars.
Does pompano fight hard?
Pompano create a buzz when they migrate south along Florida shores in the fall. Not only are they delicious, but they also fight hard for their size.
What’s the best bait for pompano?
By far the best natural bait is a live sand flea (sand crab), but Pompano also will bite live shrimp or fiddler crabs and—with varying dependability—dead sand fleas, dead shrimp, clams and cut squid.
What other fish can you catch on a pompano rig?
And it doesn’t just catch pompano — I’ve caught sharks, whiting, black drum, and other species using it. Of course, you could buy it from the store for about $3-4, but it’s really easy to make yourself and save some money.
What is the best rig for surf fishing?
Surf Fishing Rigs
The fish-finder rig (sliding rig) is by far the most popular choice of surf casters. You can use it in most conditions and for whatever species you’d like to target. All you need is a pyramid sinker with a swivel on the line, followed by a 2′ leader line and a circle hook with cut or frozen bait.
Where is the best pompano fishing in Florida?
Surf fishing is the most popular and often productive place to catch pompano. Top beaches include Playa Linda the beaches north of Sebastian Inlet the beaches along the central part of South Hutchinson Island Hobe Sound and Juno Beach. Piers also offer great access to the surf fishery.
Can u catch pompano at night?
It is possible to catch Pompano from the surf at night, however, you are more likely to have success early in the morning during moving tides. Increase you odds of success when Pompano fishing at night by picking bright nights, during moving tides, and using bright colored bait.
How do you catch a big pompano?
To catch pompano from a beach or pier, look for schools of fish on the far side of wave breaks and sand bars. Use sand fleas for bait on the end of a spinning rod with a circle hook. You can also catch pompano from a boat near a bridge. Look for the fish on the down current side of the bridge.
How do you target pompano?
When targeting pompano in Florida, you can use several methods, such as fly fishing, pier, shoreline, or the surf’s coastal waters. A spinning reel 3500 or 4000 series spooled with a 12 to 15-pound test line is useable for normal surf conditions while fishing inshore.