Pompano fishing in Florida: surf, baits and trips
Find pompano along Florida’s beaches and passes with local inshore captains.
Florida pompano are a favorite beach fish: they run the surf in fall and spring and are one of the best-tasting fish in the state. Here’s when and how to catch them, and where to book a trip.
When is the best time to catch pompano in Florida?
The best pompano fishing in Florida is from fall through spring, when the surf cools to the mid-60s to mid-70s °F and schools migrate along the beaches. Fish the first surf trough or the edges of passes with sand fleas, shrimp or a small pompano jig. Check size and bag limits in the FWC pompano rules.
Trachinotus carolinusMeet the florida pompano
Also called: Pompano, butterfish (not to be confused with permit)
- Typical size
- 1–3 lb and 12–18 in; rarely over 6 lb
- Close cousin
- Permit look similar but grow to 40+ lb
- Where it lives
- Sandy surf troughs, beaches, passes and inlets on both coasts
- How to spot it
- Silver, deep-bodied fish with a yellow belly and fins and a blunt head
- What it eats
- Sand fleas, small clams, crabs and shrimp
- Can you keep it?
- Yes, above the minimum size and within the bag limit (FWC pompano rules)
Pompano “skip” across the surface when chased, which is how anglers spot schools from the beach.
Surf fishing vs boat fishing for pompano
Two ways to catch pompano:
| From the beach | From a boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | First trough, sandbars | Passes, inlets, nearshore sandbars |
| Bait | Sand fleas, shrimp, clams | Pompano jigs, shrimp |
| Best time | Fall and spring, moving tide | Fall and spring |
| Why choose it | Simple and cheap | Reach schools you can’t cast to |
Pompano fishing trips
Inshore trips near beaches and passes where pompano run:
How to catch pompano
Tips from our captains:
Find the trough
Pompano feed in the first trough just off the beach and along sandbars. Look for clean, moving water.
Use sand fleas
Dig sand fleas at the water’s edge where the waves wash back. Fresh shrimp and clams work too.
Rig
A two-hook pompano rig with small circle hooks and a pyramid sinker, or a small yellow pompano jig.
Watch for skippers
Schools skip across the surface when chased; cast ahead of them.
Rules
Minimum size and bag limit: FWC pompano rules.
Book a trip
Most of our captains fish passes and nearshore sandbars. Call or text (407) 392-4593 to ask about pompano.
Best places to go pompano fishing in Florida
Pick a town (lowest inshore trip price on its page, or call to book):
Fish you catch on a pompano trip
Beaches and passes also hold:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Pompano fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Southern beaches and passes
- Warm afternoons
- Sand fleas
Spring Mar–May
- Spring run north along the beaches
- Best months
- Jigs in passes
Summer Jun–Aug
- Slow in hot surf
- Early mornings
- Try passes
Fall Sep–Nov
- Fall run south
- Best months
- Cooling surf
What guests say about our inshore trips
5.04 reviews
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a pompano fishing trip
Pick a town and date, or let us match you with a captain.
Want to target pompano? Call or text and we’ll find the right captain.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Pompano fishing FAQ
When is the best time to catch pompano in Florida?
Pompano bite best from fall through spring, when the surf cools into the mid-60s to mid-70s °F. The fall and spring migrations along the beaches are peak times.
Where is the best pompano fishing in Florida?
Sandy beaches and passes on both coasts: Northeast Florida, the Space Coast and Treasure Coast on the Atlantic side, and the Panhandle beaches, Clearwater and Sarasota on the Gulf. Pompano Beach is named after the fish.
What is the best bait for pompano?
Sand fleas (mole crabs) dug from the beach are the top bait, followed by fresh shrimp and clams. Small yellow or pink pompano jigs work great too.
How do you catch pompano?
Fish the first trough in the surf with a two-hook pompano rig and sand fleas, or bounce a pompano jig along the bottom in passes and near sandbars.
Is pompano good to eat?
Yes. Florida pompano is one of the most prized eating fish in the state, with rich, sweet meat. Check the minimum size and bag limit first.
What are the pompano rules in Florida?
Florida pompano have a minimum size and a daily bag limit. Check the current FWC pompano rules before keeping fish.
How much is a pompano fishing trip?
Pompano are caught on inshore and nearshore trips near beaches and passes. On iOutdoors, inshore trips start from $500 in St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach, priced per boat.