Trachinotus carolinus
Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is one of the most prized fish in the state — both for its thrilling fight and its reputation as one of the finest table fish in the ocean. A chrome-silver, fast-swimming member of the jack family, pompano run Florida's beaches, nearshore sandbars, and tidal passes from fall through spring, following warm water and baitfish migrations. They feed primarily on sand fleas (mole crabs), small crabs, and shrimp in the surf zone, making them accessible to surf anglers with minimal gear. Pompano average 1–3 pounds in Florida waters, with trophy fish exceeding 5–6 pounds. Their buttery, mild, rich flesh commands premium prices at seafood restaurants — a true Florida delicacy. Pompano are found along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, with the Gulf Coast producing more consistent numbers.
Also Known As
Common Pompano, Cobbler, Sunfish, Palometa (similar species)
Prime season runs October through April on Florida's Gulf Coast beaches. Fall is exceptional as cooling water concentrates pompano in predictable feeding zones following the annual mullet run. Winter pompano runs along Pinellas, Sarasota, and Charlotte beaches can be exceptional after cold fronts. On the Atlantic coast, pompano move through from October through May following the beach. Summer fishing is limited as fish move offshore in deeper, cooler water. Best fishing is often 2–3 days after a cold front when fish feed aggressively.
Sand fleas (mole crabs) dug from the beach are the #1 bait — rig 2–3 on a #1 or #2 hook on a pompano rig (2-hook dropper loop with 1–2oz weight). Small 1/4oz bright pompano jigs (chartreuse/orange/pink with bead) tipped with shrimp or small sand flea also work extremely well. Fish the first trough behind the breaking waves — this is where pompano feed. The second trough (further out) also holds fish. Cast beyond the break and allow the bait to bounce along the sand bottom naturally. From a pier or bridge, pompano jigs dropped along the pilings and bounced off the bottom are effective. In the surf, 10–12ft spinning rods allow longer casts to reach fish beyond the break.
11 inch minimum fork length. 6 fish per angler per day bag limit statewide. No closed season. Always verify at myfwc.com for current regulations.
Dig your own sand fleas from the beach waterline at low tide — they are far superior to frozen baits. Fish 2–3 days after a cold front when water clears and fish feed aggressively. The key is finding the trough — walk the beach at low tide to identify where the sand dips and the wave pattern changes. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive. Pompano can be caught from shore, pier, or kayak. Keep moving until you find the school — they travel in loose groups along the beach.
Pinellas County Beaches (St. Pete Beach, Clearwater)
Consistent fall and spring pompano surf fishing. Pass-A-Grille and Indian Rocks Beach are top spots.
Sarasota / Venice Beaches
Venice Beach and Nokomis Beach are classic pompano surf spots, especially November through February.
Charlotte / Lee County Gulf Beaches
Englewood Beach, Boca Grande, and Fort Myers Beach produce excellent pompano in fall and winter.
Panhandle Beaches (Pensacola, Destin, Panama City)
Northwest Florida beaches deliver outstanding pompano from October through March. Some of the best surf fishing in the state.
Palm Beach / Treasure Coast (Atlantic Coast)
Pompano run Florida's Atlantic beaches from October through April. Juno Beach and Jensen Beach are noted spots.
Tidal Passes and Inlets
Pompano move through Gulf Coast passes and inlets on each tide — fish the edges of the channel with pompano jigs.
Curated picks for Florida Pompano fishing in Florida
Small bucktail or teaser jig — the classic Florida beach pompano rig.
Hop it along the bottom in the surf trough and pompano will find it.
Synthetic strip bait that stays on the hook in heavy surf — pompano love it.
Stays on the hook where sand fleas fall off; works day and night in the surf.
Mesh-basket rake for digging live sand fleas (mole crabs) from the surf line.
Fresh-dug sand fleas are the #1 natural pompano bait — worth 10 minutes of effort.
Medium-light surf rod with the sensitivity to detect pompano's subtle bites.
Pompano bites are soft — a sensitive surf rod doubles your hookup rate.
12 spots tracked — click any for tides, weather & local tips
Live or fresh sand fleas (mole crabs) are the #1 bait for pompano. Rig 2–3 on a #1 or #2 hook on a pompano surf rig. Small chartreuse or orange pompano jigs (1/4oz) tipped with shrimp are a close second and highly effective.
Fall through spring is peak season (October–April). Gulf Coast beaches produce the most consistent pompano action. Fall is especially productive following cold fronts and the mullet run. Summer pompano are found offshore in deeper, cooler water.
Gulf Coast beaches from Pensacola to Naples produce excellent pompano surf fishing. The Panhandle (Pensacola, Destin, Panama City) has outstanding winter pompano runs. Pinellas and Sarasota County beaches are very productive. Venice Beach and Nokomis Beach are classic spots.
Use #1 or #2 long-shank hooks for sand flea rigs. For jig fishing, 1/4oz to 3/8oz pompano jigs in bright colors (chartreuse, orange, pink, yellow) work best. Use a 2-hook dropper rig in the surf with 1–2oz pyramid sinker.
Florida pompano is considered one of the finest-tasting fish in the ocean. Their firm, buttery, mildly sweet flesh is a Florida delicacy — priced as a premium fish at restaurants. They are best prepared simply: grilled with butter and lemon, baked whole, or pan-seared with capers and lemon.
Look for the first and second trough behind the breaking waves — pompano feed in these sandy depressions. Walk the beach at low tide to identify trough locations. After a cold front (2–3 days), pompano feed aggressively in the troughs. Sand fleas washing in the swash zone indicate pompano are nearby.
