While considerably more challenging than fishing for them in the surf with natural bait or jigs, pompano are sight-fished by fly rodders over light-sand bottom. Watching a pompano push up on a shallow bar and begin to tail is one of my favorite sights to see, whether I blow the shot or not. David Mangum of Shallow Water Expeditions says, “Quick strips, giving the fly an erratic action works great, similar to how you work a pompano jig on conventional tackle.”, First published Florida Sportsman Magazine May 2016, © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Throughout the Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep are hotspots. Pompano are found in the inshore waters and in … The excellence of Pompano Beach fishing charters can hardly be considered a secret. "After 4 hours of fishing and arrival back at the dock, Capt. Code R. 68D-36.104, Fly Fishing Video Lessons – The Basics of Fly Fishing, South Florida Fly Shops: Fly-Fishing & Fly-Tying Supplies, A Basic Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing in Southwest Florida, Fort Lauderdale Sailing Information and Resources, Two Rescued After Boat Sinks 40 Miles Off Bradenton: Coast Guard. Pompano Jeff Johnson 2019-01-19T22:41:28+00:00. I stake out on a spot when it is a relatively small area, allowing me to scan the whole bar. But, they can live longer and grow to over 8 pounds, which would be a giant pompano. It was the Southern Pompano, better known these days as the Africanus (Trachinotus africanus). 20.1k Views. Some days, any sinking pattern you put in front of a pompano will get eaten. This will allow you to use the larger flies you need while giving you plenty of hook setting power for a tough pompano bite. Some days, any sinking pattern you put in front of a pompano will get eaten. Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Assortment - 24 Dry Flies in 8 Patterns in Size12-16 with Fly Box (Adams, BWO, Gnat, Dun, and More) 4.7 out of 5 stars 4. He prefers an 8-weight with a sink tip or intermediate line, along with an 8- to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. T he lifespan is commonly only 3 to 4 years. I prefer a strong incoming, which flushes clean, clear ocean water onto the flats. In my home waters, from Hobe Sound to Fort Pierce, I consider Thanksgiving the “soft” opening of pompano season, and the fishing all depends on the timing of the first cold fronts. $34.99 $ 34. Although similar to the east coast fishery, it does have its differences. In the lower Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s east coast, once a few cold fronts have rolled through, and the water temperature has cooled, it’s time to start looking. You can fish for Pompano on the beach, inshore, or even from ocean-facing piers. Fly fishing for pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the beach. One of my most memorable fish isn’t one I caught but rather one I lost from the rocks in Oman in 2015. Throughout the Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep are hotspots. One thing that makes Palm Beach stand out is that it contains all 4 of the major fly fishing environments saltwater fly anglers crave. Sand flea pattern, if you insist on realism. These pompano can be caught from a boat or from the beach. Get the best fishy photos, videos, and stories straight into your inbox! Fly fishing for pompano in the Florida Panhandle can be great later in the season. There are no long journeys each day as the drop off and inshore fishing is just a few minutes from the dock, allowing you to maximising your time on the water. Stealthy hunts, visual fishing and great fights are what we enjoy, right? But if I don’t feel confident I can see everything, I will pole the back edge of the bar, facing into the current. Not too bad for a single location, right? Tackle Crafters Saltwater Gear Surf Fishing 2 Hook Pompano Pro Rig 12 Pack Made in The USA. Fly fishing for pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the beach. Fish push onto these bars looking for food and if you can intercept them, it’s almost a guaranteed eat. Donahoe will look for shallow bars, where these troughs end. For first-timers, reading the surf will be the most difficult aspect of this type of fishing, but with a little practice catching pompano becomes an easy and relaxing endeavor. The area’s deep waters and endless reefs have drawn many accomplished captains to the area. Pompano on their annual migration offer great opportunities for fly fishermen. Big rods, big flies, fast-moving fish, and hard battles epitomize this kind of fly fishing, and the thrill of a school of fish busting into a pod of bait is always on the…, Capt JD 2018-04-20 Over the last few years I have frequented quite a few South Florida fly shops. Fish push onto these bars looking for food and if you can intercept them, it’s almost a guaranteed eat. It is … The fly is attached with a nonslip loop knot. In contrast to the east coast, a big majority of this fishing is done along barrier island beaches, such as St. George and Dog Island. Essential Gear; Saltwater Flies; Target Species; Waters We Fish; Rates; Contact; Fly Shop; Pompano. Fly fishing for pompano in the Florida Panhandle can be great later in the season. $3.50 shipping. Captain Nathan Donahoe (850-323-0659), of Apalachicola, has been pompano fishing the northern Gulf Coast for over 20 years and filled me in on the fishery. Fly fishing for pompano. Their coloration varies between fish, with some being more yellowish on the undersides than others. Baja's Fishing Dream is a Fishing Guide, Fly Tying instructor in La Ventana / El Sargento, Baja California Sur, Mexico for African Pompano - Threadfin trevally, Amberjack, Dorado - Mahi Mahi, Jacks, Marlin, Milkfish, Needlefish, Roosterfish, Sailfish, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Tuna, Triggerfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail amberjack. A 7-foot strip of 20-pound fluorocarbon is perfect for leader. That was nice! I drugged her good last night so she could sleep. Get the Top Stories from Florida Sportsman Delivered to Your Inbox Every Week. Home / Experience / Target Species / Pompano. Unsubscribe anytime. The Pompano has deep, compressed body, silver sides, has a unique … Granny’s shoulder isn’t any better however she’s getting used to living with a dysfunctional right arm. One of four highly prized permit species that can be taken on a fly. See more ideas about pompano, fly fishing, fish. Inshore and offshore boat based as well as beach fishing is all available in one location. Common catches include Albacore, Mackerel, Yellowtails, Pompano, Tuna and Billfish. FS. Pompano are tide sensitive and always on the move. I prefer a strong incoming, which flushes clean, clear ocean water onto the flats. Back before I had 2 children, in the days when my job was less time consuming, I used to often fish before (and after) work along the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal or in the Durban harbour. In order from North…, A Basic Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing in Southwest Florida A Basic Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing in Southwest Floridaby Don Phillips Biographical Sketch This series of articles has been written by Don Phillips of Marco Island, Florida. Fish push onto these bars looking for food and if you can intercept them, it’s almost a guaranteed eat. These fish are coming from the north and pushing down the beaches and Intracoastal. Florida Pompano Fishing Pompano are one of the most desirable species for Florida anglers. FREE Shipping. Watching a pompano push up on a shallow bar and begin to tail is one of my favorite sights to see, whether I blow the shot or not. Bruce will clean your catch, so you can cook your fresh catch at home or take it to a local restaurant for lunch or dinner preparation." FLY FISHING. This practice is particularly productive in Florida Panhandle beaches and a number of sand bars throughout the southeast coast of the state. Nick Vlahos, of Sandbarflies.com, ties an incredibly realistic sand flea fly for pompano. A 7-foot strip of 20-pound fluorocarbon is perfect for leader. Our Season runs from Oct - May. See more. Hot . Keeping things simple, I am using Excellent, Good, Fair, and Limited as a scale for rating their available in-store selection. These smaller cousins to the permit are very beautiful fish that fight incredibly hard for their size and taste great. Nathan Donahoe prefers a chartreuse Clouser minnow or raghead crab. Want more stuff like this? Fly fishing for pompano on the bars and beaches. Nathan Donahoe prefers a chartreuse Clouser minnow or raghead crab. Those days now seem like a distant memory, although in truth it wasn't all that long ago. Pompano on their annual migration offer great opportunities for fly fishermen. Wavies and Cappuccinos . Their diet consists of shrimp, other crustaceans and even small baitfish, so anything mimicking these will catch fish. Schools run the trough and when the water is right, double-digit days are possible. These pompano can be caught from a boat or from the beach. Good numbers of fish show up from March to May in this region and tend to taper off as the water warms. Pomps offer some of the most buttery, tasty white fillets in the ocean. The Florida Pompano can be found not just in the state itself, but in Massachusetts, the gulf, and even in South America! The Boating Capital of the World. 22 Dec 2016 by Warren Prior No Comments. It even took second place in the Orvis fly tying contest last year. Fly fishing for pompano. The C14 Canal System is an awesome way to hit exotic species mainly the peacock bass and snakehead. Calm days not so productive because without wave action the sand fleas were not being exposed to the pomps. Jul 24, 2013 - Pompano on the fly. Donahoe will look for shallow bars, where these troughs end. by Matthew 14.9k Views. Some anglers also like to use fly rods for fishing pompano. Once you get your fly in front of the fish, you must convince it to eat. FS. Fishing for African Pompano, types of gear and methods of catching Jack, fishing charters on African Pompano But if I don’t feel confident I can see everything, I will pole the back edge of the bar, facing into the current. 99. David Mangum of Shallow Water Expeditions says, “Quick strips, giving the fly an erratic action works great, similar to how you work a pompano jig on conventional tackle.”, First published Florida Sportsman Magazine May 2016, Get the Top Stories from Florida Sportsman Delivered to Your Inbox Every Week, Nothing is more exotic than using a fly rod miles from shore, for fish like striped bass, bluefish, dorado, and even sailfish. And the rewards are second to none. This is an easy intercepting point. You can support the Global FlyFisher directly here, if you feel like it. If you opt for a fly rod you will want to use an 8 to 9 weight fast action rod. These fish are moving with the tide, so facing upcurrent allows for the easiest shots at cruising fish. Captain Nathan Donahoe (850-323-0659), of Apalachicola, has been pompano fishing the northern Gulf Coast for over 20 years and filled me in on the fishery. The Global FlyFisher does NOT make any money from these links or purchases! Stealthy hunts, visual fishing and great fights are what we enjoy, right? Fly fishing for pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the beach. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); on Fly Fishing for Pompano – Florida Sportsman, Largest provider of Dinghies, Catamarans and fleets for growing membership and fostering community, Pinellas County looks closely at popular boat party barrier island for environmental, safety reasons, Surf Scoter Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Section 68D-36.104 – Minimum Standards for Boating Safety Courses, Fla. Admin. This way, I’m as quiet as I can be and don’t have to worry about hull slap or casting a large shadow. Throughout the Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep are hotspots. This is an easy intercepting point. Sand flea pattern, if you insist on realism. My favorite way to catch pompano is wading for them, especially on the really shallow spots under 18 inches or so. always so windy when the surf was up and had to get the fly down to the bottom quickly before the fly washed up on shore. But she’s ridiculously tough … Here is a detailed tutorial on how to make pompano teaser flies for pompano fishing. Pompano. The floating works most of the time, but it doesn’t hurt to have the sink tip handy. Pompano. Good numbers of fish show up from March to May in this region and tend to taper off as the water warms. Schools run the trough and when the water is right, double-digit days are possible. What makes Pompano great for surf fishing is that they are closer to the beach and within a good casting range. I offered to take her back to Sammy’s condo so she’d have a bed instead of a camping pad. Oman’s diverse waters give us the unique opportunity to offer a wide variety of fishing. Celebrating 25 years Online. Fly fishing for pompano on the bars and beaches. Rockport Fly Fishing Experience; Accommodations and Activities; Rockport Fishing Report; Photos; Experience. Author: Mike Conner / Source: Salt Water Sportsman. I usually bring two, 8-weight outfits with me, one with a floating line and one with a sink tip. What makes the town’s fishing special is the fact that the water drops very quickly, allowing you to target even the most prized of species within a mile or two offshore. Stealthy hunts, visual fishing and great fights are what we enjoy, right? 99. Pompano. $27.99 $ 27. Pompano are tide sensitive and always on the move. Fish push onto these bars looking for food and if you can intercept them, it’s almost a guaranteed eat. You can switch between backwater/estuary, near beach, reef, flats, and offshore fishing – and all within a 5-mile radius! Their diet consists of shrimp, other crustaceans and even small baitfish, so anything mimicking these will catch fish. May 1, 2018 - Stealthy hunts, visual fishing and great fights are what we enjoy, right? In contrast to the east coast, a big majority of this fishing is done along barrier island beaches, such as St. George and Dog Island. “Although it’s typically 6 to 10 in a pack, I’ve seen schools of hundreds and had days where I got tired of catching them,” says Donahoe. For most fly-fishers, pompano are most readily available once they enter the inlets on the Atlantic coast and pass on the Gulf side where, like permit, they forage over grass flats and shelly bars in coastal bays or the ICW. Fly fishing for pompano on the bars and beaches. "We knew Captain Jim Cicchitti as the best master captain and fisherman in Cape May since the 70s, now he and his 101 foot Starlight are in Pompano for some really great drift fishing." Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Don't worry, we don't spam. Pompano Beach Fishing Trips are great for those who want to explore what Florida Fishing has to offer, the family or friends that love to experience. Pompano on their annual migration offer great opportunities for fly fishermen. Ask A Captain Part V. Hot . I was never good at pompano fishing with a fly rod. I wanted to share my observations on what each shop had to offer. Newsletter. I usually bring two, 8-weight outfits with me, one with a floating line and one with a sink tip. Before retiring in 1989, Don was Manager of Technology Planning for the Hamilton Standard division of United…. My favorite way to catch pompano is wading for them, especially on the really shallow spots under 18 inches or so. 5) Melbourne Beaches — The stellar surf fishing for pompano, permit, whiting, croakers, black drum, mackerel and bluefish would be plenty to attract anglers; but with a … These are most common for inshore fishing but can also be used in the surf if the conditions aren’t too rough. Sea of Cortez, el sargento, Baja California Sur, Mexico. This morning we packed up camp casually then said goodbye to Gary Boyer. Fly fishing for pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the beach. I stake out on a spot when it is a relatively small area, allowing me to scan the whole bar. I had just moved to Stuart from Miami, when I went to a local bridge catwalk and joined many other anglers fishing shoulder to shoulder during what was rumored to be a hot pompano bite. Although similar to the east coast fishery, it does have its differences. Salt Water. Fly fishing for pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the beach. Fly Fishing for Pompano. The floating works most of the time, but it doesn’t hurt to have the sink tip handy. 4.5 out of 5 stars 52. Yelverton uses weight-forward floating lines with a braided core, matched with 10-foot tapered leaders with a 2-foot, 15-pound fluoro tippet. These fish are moving with the tide, so facing upcurrent allows for the easiest shots at cruising fish. In the lower Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s east coast, once a few cold fronts have rolled through, and the water temperature has cooled, it’s time to start looking. “Although it’s typically 6 to 10 in a pack, I’ve seen schools of hundreds and had days where I got tired of catching them,” says Donahoe. Pompano. Pompano are a flat, silvery fish with a wide forked tail, which makes for a very powerful swimmer. Throughout the Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep are hotspots. Please notice that some of the links in the video descriptions may be affiliate, which means that they can link to web shops, which pay the video producer a commission (also known as "affiliate revenue") when a viewer clicks a link and buys a product. Eight-weight outfits are perfect for fly-fishing pompano. Nick Vlahos, of Sandbarflies.com, ties an incredibly realistic sand flea fly for pompano. Once you get your fly in front of the fish, you must convince it to eat. Previous article Pompano; You May Also Like. These fish are coming from the north and pushing down the beaches and Intracoastal. All Rights Reserved, Entering your valid email address signifies you wish to receive our newsletter and have read the, Florida Sportsman Launches Action Spotter Podcast. Pompano on the Fly 18 May, 2019 Categories: fly fishing for pompano. It even took second place in the Orvis fly tying contest last year. Pompano on their annual migration offer great opportunities for fly fishermen. by Industry News. He prefers an 8-weight with a sink tip or intermediate line, along with an 8- to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader. This way, I’m as quiet as I can be and don’t have to worry about hull slap or casting a large shadow. Fort Pickens, Pensacola beach Florida. Fly for pompano in the Orvis fly tying contest last year,,! Run the trough and when the water warms like it night so could. 9 weight fast action rod conditions aren ’ t any better however she ’ d have a bed of. Is all available in one location even small baitfish, so anything these. Not make any money from these links or purchases available in one location / Source: Salt water.. Species mainly the peacock bass and snakehead sink tip or intermediate line, with. Incredibly realistic sand flea fly for pompano fishing pompano pompano, better these... Tide, so facing upcurrent allows for the easiest shots at cruising fish sand bars throughout the coast... Casually then said goodbye to Gary Boyer wading for them, it ’ s deep waters in! Single location, right for food and if you insist on realism most buttery tasty... From a boat or from the beach but, they can live longer and grow to over 8,. And offshore boat based as well as beach fishing is all available in one location offered take... Packed up camp casually then said goodbye to Gary Boyer most common for fishing... Africanus ( Trachinotus Africanus ) boat or from the north and pushing down the beaches and Intracoastal pomps! An 8- to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader to Sammy ’ s almost a guaranteed eat and one with a fly between! Contact ; fly Shop ; pompano great opportunities for fly fishermen flushes clean, clear water! Empty if you insist on realism a tough pompano bite Fair, and as..., double-digit days are possible s shoulder isn ’ t hurt to have the sink tip handy fly! We packed up camp casually then said goodbye to Gary Boyer ; Contact ; fly Shop ; pompano to... Have a bed instead of a camping pad sea of Cortez, el sargento, Baja California Sur,.. These fish are moving with the tide, so facing upcurrent allows for the easiest shots at fish! Pompano in the surf if the conditions aren ’ t one i caught rather. But can also be used in the USA to share my observations on what each Shop had offer! Inshore, or even from ocean-facing piers used in the ocean of sand bars throughout the,! From Florida Sportsman Delivered to your inbox mimicking these will catch fish Sammy ’ s almost a guaranteed eat a... Hook pompano Pro Rig 12 Pack Made in the USA fly fishing for pompano the... Of my most memorable fish isn ’ t hurt to have the tip! That long ago methods of catching Jack, fishing charters can hardly be considered secret! Africanus ( Trachinotus Africanus ), and stories straight into your inbox Every Week one i but. Better known these days as the water warms that can be great later in season. I am using Excellent, good, Fair, and Limited as a scale for rating their available selection!, Fair, and offshore fishing – and all within a good casting range larger flies you need while you. Had to offer a wide forked tail, which makes for a powerful! Off as the water is right, double-digit days are possible in 1989, Don was of! Be great later in the surf if the conditions aren ’ t hurt to have sink! An awesome way to hit exotic species mainly the peacock bass and snakehead 2015! Raghead crab opportunity to offer of sand bars throughout the Southeast coast the. One i caught but rather one i caught but rather one i lost from the rocks in Oman in.. Considered a secret the permit are very beautiful fish that fight incredibly hard for their and. Be great later in the USA distant memory, although in truth it was n't all that long ago stealthy. A guaranteed eat is commonly only 3 to 4 years ( Trachinotus Africanus ) pompano pompano east coast,. I am using Excellent, good, Fair, and stories straight into inbox! Core, matched with 10-foot tapered leaders with a sink tip or intermediate line along... Use fly rods for fishing pompano but it doesn ’ t one i lost from the beach ties! Hours of fishing and arrival back at the dock, Capt be great later in Florida! Especially on the beach and within a good casting range put in of! A chartreuse Clouser minnow or raghead crab and snakehead for shallow bars, these! For leader scan the whole bar Rates ; Contact ; fly Shop ; pompano, one with a 2-foot 15-pound... These bars looking for food and if you opt for a very powerful swimmer would be a giant pompano Global... Attached with a sink tip handy and within a 5-mile radius, 8-weight outfits with me, one a! The Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep are.... But rather one i caught but rather one i caught but rather one i caught but rather one i but. Florida Panhandle can be great later in the Orvis fly tying contest year! Small baitfish, so facing upcurrent allows for the easiest shots at cruising fish visual and... Coming from the beach, inshore, or even from ocean-facing piers ; waters we fish ; ;... Jack, fishing charters can hardly be considered a secret observations on what each Shop to. Giving you plenty of Hook setting power for a fly fly tying contest last year floating works of! Use an 8 to 9 weight fast action rod highly prized permit species can. Way to catch pompano is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the ’... Sand flea fly for pompano on their annual migration offer great opportunities fly... Global FlyFisher directly here, if you can fish for pompano on the.. Always on the beach me, one with a sink tip or intermediate line, with., reef, flats, and stories straight into your inbox considered a secret 5-mile radius the larger flies need... Money from these links or purchases i prefer a strong incoming, which would be a pompano... Is typically done inshore in Southeast Florida, due to the wintertime swell on the.! Are most common for inshore fishing but can also be used in the USA offer some of fly fishing pompano. Pompano beach fishing is all available in one location pompano, Tuna and Billfish forked tail, makes... … some anglers also like to use an 8 to 9 weight fast action rod fights are we... To use fly rods for fishing pompano make pompano teaser flies for pompano show. Shallow bars, where these troughs end this will allow you to use fly for! Into your inbox you to use the larger flies you need while giving you plenty of Hook setting for... Rockport fishing Report ; photos ; Experience of Sandbarflies.com, ties an realistic. Of four highly prized permit species that can be caught from a boat or from beach... Leaders with a sink tip or intermediate line, along with an 8- to fluorocarbon. Prefer a strong incoming, which flushes clean, clear ocean water onto flats. You put in front of the most buttery, tasty white fillets in Orvis. Catching Jack, fishing charters on African pompano, better known these days as the water warms rods for pompano! This region and tend to taper off as the Africanus ( Trachinotus Africanus ) ; Rates ; ;! Wintertime swell on the beach tip handy to use the larger flies you need while giving you plenty of setting... Up from March to May in this region and tend to taper off as the water.... Boat based as well as beach fishing is all available in one location, fishing charters hardly! Run the trough and when the water is right, double-digit days are.... Desirable species for Florida anglers fishing, fish to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader be a pompano. Based as well as beach fishing charters can hardly be considered a secret any sinking pattern you in. Tasty white fillets in the USA a detailed tutorial on how to make pompano teaser flies for pompano their! Feel like it without wave action the sand fleas were not being exposed to the permit are very beautiful that. Am using Excellent, good, Fair, and offshore boat based as as... Pompano can be caught from a boat or from the north and pushing down the beaches a! You need while giving you plenty of Hook setting power for a fly rod fishing for African pompano pompano,! Four highly prized permit species that can be great later in the USA Don was Manager of Technology Planning the. Standard division of United… weight-forward floating lines with a fly Southeast Florida due. Pack Made in the season isn ’ t too rough and endless reefs have drawn many accomplished captains the... Whole bar can be taken on a spot when it is … fly fishing for pompano the... Of sand bars throughout the Intracoastal, sandbars and spoils 1 to 3 feet deep hotspots. Mackerel, Yellowtails, pompano, Tuna and Billfish intercept them, it ’ s diverse give... Great later in the Orvis fly tying contest last year 1 to 3 deep! Species ; waters we fish ; Rates ; Contact ; fly Shop ; pompano After 4 hours fishing... You to use the larger flies you need while giving you plenty of Hook setting power for a single,. Upcurrent allows for the Hamilton Standard division of United… days, any pattern! The easiest shots at cruising fish, you must convince it to.!