THE LAST TIME I WENT SURF CASTING I GOT 3 TREBLE HOOKS IN MY RIGHT EAR . Florida - 8 lbs 4 oz (***click this link to read about a potential world record pompano caught with Fishbites***). Often if you try to set your hook with too much force, you will end up jerking your bait right out of their mouth. Ive only fished for the past 10 years but in my opinion Super Strike plugs seem to effortlessly soar through the air with the smallest flick of my rod. If you don't want to catch live sand fleas before fishing for pompano, you can try using a sand flea lure. You will find sand fleas where the waves are lapping onto the beach (the swash zone). But, on occasion, they will be running further offshore, and you will need to cast further out to reach them. Like those stubby needlefish. Winter is known as the best pompano fishing season. Rather than forcing the fish through the breaking waves, time your retrieve to let a rolling wave surf the hooked pompano onto the sand. Then, poke holes in the bottom of the upper container so that any urine from the fleas can flow through the holes and away from the crabs. I am a FISHING CHARTER CAPTAIN on the Treasure Coast of Florida. The best leaders for pompano are 2 hook pompano rigs. That is certainly saying something! Usually either a size #1, 1/0, or 2/0 circle hook for most situations. I challenge you to lift a 20lb dumbbell off the ground with a surf rod the way you might fight a fish. pompano are a great fish to target for tourists and beginners. Instead use a gentler flick of the wrist to set your hook. Here's a quick rundown of the styles of fishing you opt for. Instead, you just start reeling and apply firm pressure to place the hook in the corner of the fishs mouth. Baitcasting rods and reels take a little more mastery to use but are ideal when you want to cast further distances. I have fished the beaches, mangroves, grass flats.. all over Florida for more than 40 years. You can make your own surf spikes out of pvc from the hardware store, and I have done that. This article has been viewed 136,722 times. I just got word that surf fishermen on Amelia Island are intercepting the first of the fall pompano run. (Note: On The Water is reader-supported. Sure, you can catch a pompano in 64 degree water or 81 degree water but it will be hard to catch large numbers of them in water that is uncomfortable to them. A 2500-4000 sized reel with 10-20 pound mono, Collection of pyramid sinkers varying in size, Tackle bag or bucket to hold your terminal tackle, These items are in addition to the "light" list, Extra fresh water to rinse any accidentally dunked reels, Scissors for cutting braid or baits (Fishbites). Hope you enjoyed these Florida surf fishing tips! Dusty Hayes and I go looking for pompano and whiting after Hurricane Nate! They may also be in grass flats hunting crabs when the tide is high.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'riversearch_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-riversearch_com-leader-2-0'); Pompano in spring are easier to catch in northern parts of Florida than in southern parts. Ill pull one out as needed, and when I run out, Ill make another scoop. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Let's say that the sand bar is 60 yards from the beach. Agree , I no longer throw 12 mullet w 8 oz weight with a 12 rod in Texas . This website is owned by FYAO Saltwater Media Group, Inc. Value 4.4. If you opt for a fly rod you will want to use an 8 to 9 weight fast action rod. I briefly clipped on a 2-ounce bucktail, which got the distance I needed, but became immediately buried in weeds. There are many ways you could catch sand fleas. Turn west from the city, and you'll be greeted by the beautiful mangrove-lined waters of the plentiful Banana River. If the water is really rough, it might not even be worth trying for pompano, since they might move further out to clearer water and out of reach. If you can find a rip current, thats a great place to encounter pompano and other game fish that are hanging out and feeding on bait being swept offshore. Pompano will generally be on the move as water temps approach 62 degrees. Although its of no use to us surf-bound anglers, one interesting fact about pompano is that they have a tendency to skip out of the water behind a boats wake. I throw this extra rod out with a larger bait to target bigger fish, like bull reds. These rod holders stick into the sand and free your hands to fight fish rig and re-cast lines. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I happen to have a great article on that here: he lure of the pomp doesnt end with their taste, as. Some people even go so far as to peel their shrimp before placing them on a hook. Look for relatively clean water conditions when you are trying to figure out how far out to cast to catch pompano. You can still find. Search Distance Casting for Fish on the Internet for excellent information. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Sand fleas also known as mole crabs are known as one of the best baits you can use. They are made with circle hooks, which is my preference. Some anglers also like to use fly rods for fishing pompano. Try to cut the squid into pieces about an inch long. he lifespan is commonly only 3 to 4 years. Fresh shrimp and Fishbites are good options when the surf conditions are rough. Regardless of what reel you use, keep the spool as close to full as you can to achieve the greatest possible casting distance. The lifespan is commonly only 3 to 4 years. They can be found in the gulf coast, but Florida isnt a good spot to fish them, as most pompano move far north for the summer. But, even the cheapest rakes are much better than non-rake alternatives. Fiddler crabs will pinch you when you pick them up. Tight lines! Some say that catching a Tarpon is the ultimate inshore fishing achievement. During the right time of year, they are easy to catch and they taste great. As with a golf swing, technique trumps strength. Other very productive baits are small shrimp, and Fishbites. The water was shallow and the current was slow, making it the perfect place to fish 1- to 1 -ounce bucktails. They rarely ever get over 4 pounds, and big ones typically fall between 17-25. So, there is no need to fight crowds to claim a prized fishing spot on a jetty or pier. If you were to just throw them into a bucket of water, the accumulation of their urine, over the course of time, will kill them. This will allow you to use the larger flies you need while giving you plenty of hook setting power for a tough pompano bite. You just never really know what they are going to do next. If the weather is warm, and Im wearing swim trunks, I might simply make a scoop with my rake, and place a handful in the pocket of my swim trunks. Pompano are a flat, silvery fish with a wide forked tail, which makes for a very powerful swimmer. Some braids have a slick coating that helps the line leave the spool and shoot through the guides with less resistance. Pompano like the water temperatures to be from 65 degrees to the high 70s. A dressed tail hook will add to the action. I have a spot, where a drop-off gives up big bass any time I can get a live eel there. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If youve never eaten pompano, youve done yourself a disservice. Pompano migrate in schools, heading south in the winter and then back north as the weather warms. For smaller bait, I recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 size hook. Other times, Ill rake up my entire supply for the day and store them in a container near my setup. In other words, the quick answer is that it depends upon the conditions. You can also catch pompano from a boat near a bridge. The reason orange is so prevalent is that it mimics the orange eggs found on the underside of some sand fleas. I sat for a while, casting occasionally, but mostly listening to the boat fishermen catch what sounded like very big stripers. Place some rags in a bucket and just cover the crabs with seawater. I have found that many darters tumble and lose distance when casting into a headwind. By placing different baits and different colored beads and floats on each hook, you can eliminate less preferred options quickly. When going long for surf stripers, lure selection plays a huge part in reaching the fish. If we didnt hook up in the first few cranks, the rest of the retrieve was over dead water. Florida pompano do not have teeth on their tounge, A pompano's head slopes back gently with no abrupt change in angle - no hump, Pompano have more rays than a permit; 22 to 27 dorsal rays and 20-23 anal rays, The beginning of their anal fin starts further back than the beginning of their dorsal fin, Pompano sized permit have teeth on their tounge, Permit have dorsal and anal fins that are longer and drape back toward their tail, Permit have sort of an appearance of a bump on their forehead, due to the change of angle to the slope of their head, Sometimes they have a dark spot under their pectoral fins, Have fewer rays than a pompano. It might be a great blue heron or a snowy egret standing on the beach. When pompano fishing, you will undoubtedly catch some sort of small non-targeted species. Also, while targeting pompano, there is a great likelihood that you will catch other desirable species such as whiting (kingfish) and redfish. If you can stomach the up front investment, and you have a vehicle (truck) that can transport it, I highly recommend one. If you dont wish to tie your own, these Sea Strike 2 hook rigs on amazon look pretty good, A 2 hook rig serves several purposes. The YouTube video below is the best one I have found that shows you how to catch sand fleas. In addition to using sand fleas, I usually. Any bigger and you will miss most of the bites and lose your baits. You can encounter pompano on the beach, off of ocean-facing piers and even inshore. 8.8. No real instructions on better techniques for actually casting? Pompano like clean water. Pompano is a popular fish you can catch off the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Less water means that some of the bigger fish cant get too close to the beach. If your shrimp are too large, you may have to use smaller pieces.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'riversearch_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-riversearch_com-leader-4-0'); Pompano are also known to feed on fiddler crabs, which is why using these is bait works so well. This website is owned by FYAO Saltwater Media Group, Inc. You could go bigger, but I try to minimize the weight of my beach gear whenever possible. Your line should be 10-20 pound mono, flourocarbon or 20-30 pound braid. They are known to be one of the best-tasting fish, they arent very difficult to catch, but they still put up a good fight, which makes it enjoyable to fish them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'riversearch_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-riversearch_com-medrectangle-3-0'); If youre fishing for pompano you need to read this guide. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Dusty is a local Captain in the Orange Beach, AL area and also owns Shore Thing Fishing, where he. Turn your board and wait for an appropriate wave. Just try to make sure your hook matches the size or your bait as best you can. Assuming you arent allowed to access the beach with your vehicle, which is the case for many of us, a beach cart is a tremendous luxury. The 14 foot surf fishing rod will cast farther but are harder to control. The reel will last you and your grandchildren a lifetime. Though they can reach sizes upwards of 8 pounds. The best signs of life are feeding fish where you are at. Use something between and ounce. They regulate their body temperatures by using the external environment. It may happen only once or twice a season, but its as close to a sure thing as surf fishing gets. I rarely stress over casting distance when surfcasting. How far you need to throw when surfcasting will depend on the conditions of the water. You would want the bait of another rod to be in zone 2 and you would want the bait of the third rod in zone 3. Experimenting with long-casting lures could help you strike gold. These are the pink shrimp flavor Fishbites I like to have, in addition to the orange sand flea ones. When the tide is high you can bring you 7 ft. rod and catch tons of pompano, whiting, snook, tarpon, bluefish, permit.. within 30 yards of the beach usually. These jigs come in various styles and colors. Some anglers also like to use fly rods for fishing pompano. I have, in fact, taken ONLY Fishbites to the beach before and easily limited out on pompano. Learn how to catch more fish off of the beach. While the Northeast's most heralded pelagic, the false albacore, arrives in September, recent seasons have provided earlier opportunities for anglers to target "hard tails" like . These can work very well for pompano. I am 5 feet and 9 inches tall and my 10 foot surf rod is perfect for me. These folks are more than happy to share tips and tactics. Snell hooks are best for fishing bait on the bottom--no hookset required! However, you can certainly find better and similarly priced rakes online (Amazon) or in local tackle shops. Neither super clear water nor really stained water are ideal for pompano. I also like to have the teaser hook and jig hook pointing in opposite directions. Surf fishing is tons of fun and I hope that this article helps you catch more fish. For example, my Lamiglas Infinity Surf 11 MHS comfortably casts lures from 1.5 to 5 ounces, but it casts 2.5- to 3-ounce lures the farthest. There is a great YouTube resource, inserted below, that will teach you how to read the surf . Pompano fishing is popular in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusets down to Brazil. In the article below I will talk in more detail about how far to cast for pompano off of the beach. All Rights Reserved. They can be found from Massachusetts all the way around Florida, throughout the gulf, and down towards South America. Many pompano fishermen debate the effects of different colored fishing line for different colored water conditions off of the beach. ( only took 40yrs to figure that out), casting 40 lb Power Pro braid with a 11 St.Croix Mojo Rod with virtually any Super Strike plug whether needle or bottle plug makes the lure fly through the air like a small rocket ship. For these reasons, pompano are a great fish to target for tourists and beginners. In other words, the quick answer is that it depends upon the conditions. Best Hooks. Stacked up on the edge, just like last night, the other answered. Go back at a higher tide and fish those areas. How to Fish with the Goofy Jig I honestly would recommend that you break down and invest in a sand flea rake. I moved to north texas permenatley at the end of the summer so now i live 5 hours from the coast. When it comes to rods, Im usually torn about the issue. Fiddler crabs will live several days in a shady place. Great article! Their transient nature makes them very elusive at times but when you find the schools it can be a day full of fun fishing for pompanos. "All of it was helpful. The way the line lays on the reel also affects distance. In the article below I will talk in more detail about how far to cast for pompano off of the beach. Some reels have a long-cast spoolthat is, a spool that is tall and has a large arbor that allows line to easily shoot off the easily during the cast. Just dont forget where you buried them! If the current is moving your offering along too fast, I would change back to the tried and true pyramid weight. Instead, go to the bait shop and ask for fresh dead shrimp, or buy some from a local supermarket. This can be the ideal season to fish the surf for pompano. You can also find them deeper inshore in estuaries and lagoons. The action starts first in northeasternmost Florida.Then they move south through Jacksonville Beach, Flagler Beach and Daytona Beach. If you decide to do so, I would not necessarily use pyramid weights as my first sinker option. You want real distance with little effort? It looks like we'll have a big run this year. The first zone for me would be from the beach to 20 yards out. If youre using a spinning rod and reel, we recommend a 6 to 14 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line. We recommend an 8-to-10 foot fast action casting rod. But, this gives you an idea of how big pompano get in your area. Youll want to keep your drinks and snacks separately from your fish. https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/pompano-fishing-tips-in-florida/, https://www.cyberangler.com/fishing-reports/florida/carrabelle/ten-secrets-catching-pompano-11595.htm, https://surfcastingflorida.com/what-is-the-best-tide-to-fish-for-pompano/, http://www.bwca.cc/activities/fishing/settingthehook.htm. Trying to overpower your cast isnt going to send your lure 100 yards into the surf. One spring night, my friend Dave and I were casting to a current seam far off the beach where a school of bass had set up to feed. 2,254 views Jun 13, 2019 fishyourassoff.com 4.29K subscribers How far out do you have to throw for surf casting?. Unfortunately, without a stiff wind at my back and an extreme low tide that allows me to wade closer to the drop off, I cant get an eel anywhere near the structure. This article has been viewed 136,722 times. This puts them in easy reach of anglers who prefer to fish from the beach or a pier. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. And, those work just fine. If the beach doesnt look good for fishing, you will need to cast further out to find the pompano. When pompano fishing, you will undoubtedly catch some sort of small non-targeted species. If you memorize just a few of these, you should be able to tell them apart. To catch pompano from a beach or pier, look for schools of fish on the far side of wave breaks and sand bars. Finding your rod's sweet spot is a matter of feelthe rod will load smoothly on the cast and the lure will take off like a rocket. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 136,722 times. Whether the bass have hunkered down on a piece of offshore structure or they are chasing around a school of baitfish, knowing how to add some yards to your cast can save your day in the surf. For more tips, including how to keep your bait from returning to shore with the waves, read on! This can happen in October or December, depending on how cold it gets. Long-distance casting stubby needlefish like the Super Strike Bullet merit extra consideration when targeting far-out fish. If you dont use a weight that holds your baits firmly to the bottom, you are going to have a tangled mess on your hands. Pompano might be honed in on a different color for the day. If the water further out from the beach looks cleaner that the water closer, then you should try the clean water first. I like high tide because I can use a normal sized fishing rod instead of a 10 feet plus sized surf casting rod most of the time. This could be deeper holes, or cuts through the sandbar. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Pompano will travel as far north as Massachusetts as far south as Florida in the United States of America. You can even tip them with dead bait to make them even more effective. But, they can live longer and grow to over 8 pounds, which would be a giant pompano. The migration follows a north to south direction in the fall . Dial in the surf bite with rods, reels, and lures capable of reaching fish far off in the distance and in snotty conditions. Anglers in far South Florida--all the way to Miami Beach--reap the run on winter's coldest days. Fish are cold blooded just like a lizard, snake or turtle. The less friction generated as the line comes off the spool, the farther the cast will go. I went to school with alot people from Nova Scotia and had no idea any of them fished. Note: Record weights may have changed from the numbers posted below, and in fact there seemed to be discrepancies about the largest recorded pompano. When I first hit a beach that I want to fish off of I will look around for life of some sort. They rarely ever get over 4 pounds, and big ones typically fall between 17-25. You just never know where the pompano or whatever species of fish you are targeting will be from one day to the next. It might be sandpipers and plovers digging for sand fleas. digging in the sand you know that there are probably a few sand fleas there. Some of them have colorful skirts, others are designed to imitate shrimp and other foods that pompano eat. Even a 5 foot medium light rod would suffice most of the time. You will want to test out your stretch of beach for 15 or 20 minutes and then move if you dont get any bites. Not only do theyincrease your odds by having more baits in the water at the same time, they also help you to more quickly dial into what the fish prefer on a given day. The pompano can pick up the smell through the rough waves. If you dont use a weight that holds your baits firmly to the bottom, you are going to have a tangled mess on your hands. My go-to circle hooks are the Owner Mutu Light and the Gamakatsu Octopus hooks. Can anyone advise what strength line & method please. Avoid trying to set the hook. Cut about five or six feet of line. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. So, the timing of their arrival and exit will be dictated by the weather. In the springtime, pompano are ready to head north for the summer. But the back pain wont be trust me. Using 12 FOOT RODS SURF FISHING to REACH and CATCH POMPANO 25,412 views Nov 29, 2019 These pompano were way out there! It takes 50 turns of the reel handle for the spool to complete one oscillation. First of all, get your beginner's surfing equipment. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.). You can also fish rip currents where pompano might be lurking feeding on small fish that are being swept away. It is harder to cast a 14 foot surf fishing rod than a 10 foot surf fishing rod. But, other colors can also be productive. It doesnt make a lot of sense to fish somewhere that has no fish. Bottom fishing I guess with lugworm?!! Here we will cover a little bit about pompano, where to fish for them, their seasonal patterns, the equipment you will need to catch them, and a few tips to help you catch more pompano.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'riversearch_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-riversearch_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Pompano are members of the Carangidae or jack family of fish. Its usually best to fish off the pier in case you need to cast past the breakers. Ill stick to beach casting from the Norfolk UK coastline. . The cheapest sandflea rakes Ive seen were at local wally worlds near the beach. When it comes to weights, you want to use the lightest weight that the current will allow. But, such large poles mask much of the strength of these spirited little fighters. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Pompano are in schools so once you find one, you will probably find a lot more. They also tend to stay on the hook in rough waves, which makes it great for fishing the surf. Each fall as coastal water temperatures cool schools of delicious pompano head south along both of Florida's coasts within range of any angler with a surf rod. BUT once you find the feeding fish stay put. You want to have some wave action because that stirs up the sand and uncovers crabs, sand fleas, small clams and other creatures that the pompano like to feed upon. You might have to modify your casting distance from the beach out into the sea. Many of the good ones are designed to imitate sand fleas. Second, for the last 15 years I have been content with a 9 foot rod. in case you happen to run across a permit in the surf. Finding an ideal quaint motel in Pompano Beach does not have to be difficult. SurferToday brings you an exclusive guide to start surfing in less than 24 hours. That makes a lot of sense right? THERES NOTHING LIKE SEEING STARS AT NOON TIME AT THE CAPE. Step 1: Pull out about 5 feet of line. [1] 2 Instead, just start reeling when you feel the fish bite. Instead, you should store them in 2 or 3 of damp sand, which will actually keep them alive for several days, if they dont get too hot. You'll need a rash guard and a wetsuit to keep you warm and confident. The only fish a pompano would typically be confused with is a juvenile permit. When fishing with multiple rods, I always use pyramid or sputnik weights to anchor my baits in place. As far as hooks go, I pretty much stick to 1/0 circle hooks. Live shrimp is always a good option. With full written report (updated twice daily) and 16-day surf . Darters such as the Super Strike Zig-Zag, though not built for distance like bottle plugs, can reach offshore bass as well, and these plugs will work in moderate to slow currents. It might be pelicans and terns diving in the water for food. When the onshore wind would slow momentarily, and wed get a few extra feet on our casts, we almost always got hit within the first few turns of the retrieve. You can usually catch your own, or you can buy them at a bait shop. Beach chair, bucket and cooler. The fish is about 18 inches (45 cm) long and weighs about 2 to 3 lb. There are other baits that will work great as well, but if you are able to obtain live sand fleas on a given day, thats what you should use. I typically go with a 1 ounce pyramid weight when possible. Last Updated: August 18, 2020 If you go this route, you do have to take care so that you dont kill your hoard of fleas. There might be no predators in the area. Its rediculous. These are the ones, available from Amazon, that I use most often: Unhook A Stingray Without Getting Stung By The Barb, Places To Fish From Shore In Pensacola Without A Boat, Top 9 Criteria to Evaluate When Choosing a Surf Rod. Pompano are hard to find sometimes. If youre going to target pompano, you might as well learn about whiting. The water temperature might be just right. To this point, knock on wood, I have caught bull reds and sharks, and they never pulled my lightweight sand spikes out of the sand. The resulting perfectly flat line lay minimizes friction during the cast. I would break that apart into 3 separate fishing zones. I am trying pompano fishing for the first time.". Finding a balance between a lure that casts well and makes an effective presentation for the location is the tough part. Rigging for pompano and other species such as whiting that occur in the surf isn't difficult. The simplest way is to scoop them out with your bare hands. Additionally, if the stretch of beach has an abundance of sand fleas, then thats obviously a good sign that you are in the right place. . To immediately improve casting distance with every lure, rod and reel you use, downsize your line. SOOO how far do you live from the coast? Bede Durbidge is third (33,6 km/h) and 10-time world champion Kelly Slater places in . You will likely be catching them any time you are targeting Pompano. Some of the other alternatives are, scooping them with cheap metal collanders, toy plastic shovels, or buckets with holes drilled in the bottom. ?LOL tuff one my friend. Just try to use smaller shrimp if you can. As the sun comes up, the fish may move further off the beach to deeper water. A couple of nor'easters will send the fish further south past Playa Linda and around Cape Canaveral. But, I found that I prefer the sand spikes available from Dicks or Academy Sports that are made a little more lightweight. A lighter setup is much more fun when you hook up. Try to hook your fiddler crab between the back legs or through the back corner of the shell. Look for v-shaped eddies when the waves roll off the beach. They prefer water temps between 65 and 85 degrees with 68 degrees being the sweet spot. One of the best sources of surf fishing reports and tips is the Florida Surf Casters Club. Besides focusing your efforts around the ideal water temps and tide movements, the next thing to consider is the surf conditions.