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Florida Pompano
Species Information
| Scientific Name: | Trachinotus Carolinus |
| Common Names: | pompano, florida pompano |
| Environment: | Inshore, Nearshore, Surf |
| Ideal Temp: | 70-89ºF (21-31ºC) |
About Florida Pompano
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a species of marine fish in the Trachinotus (pompano) genus of the Carangidae family. It has a compressed body and short snout; coloration varies from blue-greenish silver on the dorsal areas and silver to yellow on the body and fins. It can be found along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean, depending on the season, and is popular for both sport and commercial fishing. Most Florida pompano caught weigh less than 3 lb (1.4 kg) and are less than 17 in (43 cm) long, though the largest individuals weigh 8–9 lb (3.6–4.1 kg) and reach lengths up to 26 in (66 cm).
It has a deeply forked tail and is blue-greenish silver with yellow on the throat, belly, and pelvic and anal fins. The first dorsal fins are low, with about six separate spines. The first spine may be reabsorbed in a larger fish. The second lobes on the dorsal and anal fins have a lower anterior.There are 20-24 anal fin rays. It is a compressed fish with a deep body and a blunt snout.
The adult Florida pompano is typically found in more saline areas and relatively warm waters (70-89°F), so it migrates northward in the summer, and toward the south in the fall. Despite its name, the range of the Florida pompano extends from Massachusetts to Brazil, but it is more common in areas near Florida. During the summer, it can be found near Sebastian, Cape Hatteras, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is more common near oil rigs, Palm Beach, and Hobe Sound during the winter. It can also be found near the Virgin Islands year round.
Its habitat is surf flats, and it tends to stay away from clear water regions, such as the Bahamas. Pompanos are very fast swimmers and live in schools. They are bottom feeders. They have very short teeth and feed on zoobenthos and small clams.
Florida pompano are commercially fished in all states on the East Coast from Virginia to Texas, with Florida producing over 90% of the annual harvest. Harvesting occurs mostly along Florida's western coast, with some harvesting on the eastern coast and in the Banana and Indian Rivers. Between 1994 and 2006, it commanded dockside prices of more than $3 per pound of whole fish weight.
Individually, Florida pompano are caught on light jigs and popping corks. They are very active on the line, testing light tackle beyond what their weight would suggest. They bite near oil rigs in the winter.
Florida Pompano Fishing
| World Record: | 3.76 kg (8 lb 4 oz) Port St. Joe Bay, Florida, USA |
| # Fish Caught: | 95434 documented in database. |
| Earliest Record: | 1/1/1830 12:00:00 AM and located at 29.36809, -94.84530. |
| Latest Record: | 12/31/2024 10:19:46 AM and located at 27.24841, -80.22690. |
| Common Techniques: | Bottom Fishing, Jigging |
| Popular Lure Types: | Bottom Rig, Jigs |
| Fishing Spots: | 1928 Florida Pompano fishing spots. |
Latest Florida Pompano Fishing Reports and Spots
The saltwater estuaries of Rookery Bay nestled between Naples and Marco Island offer a prime destination for anglers looking to experience the (
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The fishing action in Naples Marco Island and Rookery Bay remains strong despite recent cold fronts. These conditions have brought good catches (
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Happy New Year everyone! 2025 has started off red hot and it's been a ton of fun. This is the time of year when I fish the natural channels t (
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Had a banner day with long time clients John Colin & Thomas Healy yesterday. I’ve been fishing with this family for 15 or so years. Now that th (
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2025 is now upon us and we are looking forward to a great year with plenty of fish hopefully in everyone’s future! Inshore Fishing Report For (
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Fishing in the Naples and Marco Island area has been outstanding this week offering anglers a variety of exciting catches and memorable experie (
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I have to admit it's been a tough December so far well until this week. The first week or so of December I was busy with charters and it was (
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Wintertime fishing is at its best! With some inconsistent weather the offshore reports have been scattered. The past week has produced some nic (
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The weather's finally cool we're seeing anglers light up pompano in the surf and as of December first it's FLOUNDER SEASON! Not only do we have (
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Saturday September 28 2024 Fishing Report Hurricane Helene has made things a bit interesting but fortunately for our area the effects have been (
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