Pompano are one of the most popular fish on the dinner table in Florida and they are also a very popular fish among boatless anglers.
Pompano are a highly migratory fish. They move up and down the Florida coastlines looking for ideal water temperatures. Pompano prefer temperatures that are between 68-75 degrees.
About Pompano:
- Pompano are part of the Jack family (they fight just as hard as other jacks)
- Pompano average from 1-2 pounds
- Pompano typically feed in shallow water
- Their primary food source is small shrimp, crabs and sand fleas
- The best places to find pompano are in the surf and in inlets. They are also found on grass flats
- Pompano prefer silty water with lots of movement, watch for days that have decent current and moderate wave action
- Because the fish are always on the hunt for the perfect water temperatures there are 2 pompano runs in Florida a year, one in spring one in fall.
Spring Pompano Run
In the spring or summer, pompano will be running from the south to the north chasing the ideal water temperature. Here are a few tips that will help you catch more:
- Keep a close eye on reports from areas south of you, they will be a good indicator of the north bound migration.
- Watch surf temperature, when the water rises above 68 degrees Pompano will start to move in
- Once the surf reaches over 75 degrees the fish will move out to find cooler waters
Fall Pompano Run
The fall pompano run has been starting later in the season than normal (due to higher water temperatures) but it will still start as soon as the water temperatures drop below 75 degrees.
To locate fishing during the Fall Pompano run follow the spring suggestions in reverse:
- Watch reports from areas north of you, they will give you a good idea of where the fish are in their migration pattern
- Watch for the surf temperatures to start to drop below 75 degrees
- Once the average temperatures drop below 68 degrees the Pompano will be on the move south
Now that you know when and how to find pompano here is a great resource to learn how to catch them: How to catch pompano
