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Hi folks: From all my reading throughout this site and others, it appears that Pompano might be getting more plentiful during my visit in early May. So it seems a #4 or #6 circle hook is the best size and sand fleas are their bait of choice. I understand I am guilty of over-preparing, but I only get a few days this year and would like for them to be as productive as possible. Any further suggestions for success greatly appreciated. Thanks- Mike
JMOQuote:
Originally Posted by MHERRON2213
a moderate size piece of FRESH dead shrimp and a piece of colorful Fishbites will work too. You can buy Pomp rigs pre-rigged with hooks (if you didn't already know that) and smaller hooks (#2) will help with finicky fish.
Can live sand fleas be found in any nearby bait shops? I have found frozen in other communities and they seemed to work.
Also, I have never seen ghost shrimp in shops. Collecting them is beyond any reasonable expectation for a short-term visitor.
Working a jig can be very productive and a lot of fun. I've often done much better with a jig than fishing a fixed rig.
When it comes to baits, some days they may hot after one thing over another, especially if fishing different flavors/colors of Fishbites/Fishgum.
Nothing beats ghost shrimp, nothing. After ghost shrimp would be the sand fleas,so buy a rake.
And don't be afraid to fish any of those baits in any available hole or rip right up to the sand itself.
Two years ago I spent the last week of April and first week of May on Perdido key surf fishing. I limited out(5 fish) every morning and hands some good size ones. The condo also had a dock with cleaning facilities on Old River. I spent the afternoons there cleaning fish , crabbing, and fishing for reds and specks.
Early May (around the full moon) is typically the end of the peak of the pompano run. The pre-spawn schools are still in the surfzone and move around a lot from one feeding station to another. Those spots are "gold" this time of year, and if you locate a fishable sandbar dropoff limits are fairly easy. I've had great luck with them over the years by freelining live shrimp from the pier in a variety of conditions with fair or good water visibility. I cannot stress enough how much they orient to the weather/water conditions. Especially the water clarity! Finding good "structure" and determining the feeding lanes (on the pier) are critical keys to success. And of course good bait, and set ups (rigs). I like to keep the tackle light as they are so much fun on light tackle! Even 4 pound test ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by MHERRON2213
https://i.ibb.co/v1kqNGG/Pompano-2020-0417.jpg
https://ibb.co/hsV9Gjj
Pier#r - During my career, I always set goals and defined success. My goal is to hook one of these. My definition of success is to get it into the cooler then onto the grill. Nice fish. Also- Thanks to you and everyone else with all the advice and assistance in my trip planning. -- Mike