Key facts
About the pompano
A short, deep, flat-sided fish with a blunt snout, grayish-blue back, silver sides, and yellow on the belly and fins. It is often confused with permit and crevalle jack; unlike a jack, its tail base is smooth.
- Scientific name
- Trachinotus carolinus
- Also called
- Florida pompano, pompano, cobblerfish
- Family
- Jack family (Carangidae)
- Typical catch
- Usually under 3 pounds in North Carolina; Texas reports an average of 2 to 5 pounds; commonly about 14 inches fork length
- How big they get
- FishBase lists a maximum of about 25 inches and about 8.4 pounds; the Texas record is 6.25 pounds and 23.25 inches
- Where they live
- Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south, through Florida and the whole Gulf to Texas (range continues to Brazil).
- Habitat
- Schools along sandy surf beaches, in inlets and passes, and in high-salinity bays near oyster bars and grass beds; usually shallower than about 230 feet.
- Diet
- Sand fleas (mole crabs), small clams, mussels, amphipods, crabs, shrimp, and small fish.
- Lifespan
- FishBase lists a maximum reported age of 7 years
- On the table
- Rated excellent in flavor (VIMS); Texas Parks and Wildlife calls it the most delicious of all Gulf fish, and FishBase notes it is one of the highest-priced marine food fish in the US.
Where
Where to catch pompano with a charter
| Town | Captains listing it | Main months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Island, FL | 5 | — | Report |
| Sarasota, FL | 3 | — | Report |
| Key West, FL | 2 | — | Report |
| Fort Myers, FL | 2 | — | Report |
| Tampa, FL | 2 | — | Report |
| Cocoa Beach, FL | 2 | — | Report |
| Destin, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Islamorada, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Jupiter, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Naples, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Clearwater, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Orange Beach, AL | 1 | — | Report |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Marathon, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Stuart, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Crystal River, FL | 1 | — | Report |
| Port St. Joe, FL | 1 | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | Report |
| Gulf Shores, AL | 1 | — | Report |
| Dauphin Island, AL | 1 | — | Report |
Counts are captains who list pompano, as of October 2026. Months come from the state wildlife agency or local captains’ published calendars where we have one; seasons and limits change, so check current rules.
Before you go
What to know about pompano fishing
Things to know
- Pompano have small mouths, so use small hooks and baits.
- In Texas, adults move into bays in September and October and often move offshore in winter; summer and fall are the main seasons.
- They mature around age 1 and spawn offshore from about March to September; young fish show up in the surf in summer.
- Managed by state agencies; check your state's size and bag limits before keeping fish.
How charters catch them
- Bottom fishing in the surf just behind the breakers
- Sand fleas, shrimp, fiddler crabs, or cut bait on small hooks
- Light tackle on shallow flats
- Some lures, though live bait or shrimp usually works better
Related fish
Fish caught on the same kind of trip
Questions
Pompano questions
What bait works for pompano?
State agencies list sand fleas (mole crabs), shrimp, fiddler crabs, and cut bait fished on the bottom in the surf.
How do you tell a pompano from a permit?
They look alike and are often confused. Pompano stay much smaller; FishBase lists a maximum of about 8 pounds.
Is pompano good to eat?
Yes. VIMS rates the flavor as excellent, and it sells for a high price at market.
Facts on this page come from official fisheries and wildlife sources, checked October 2026:
Size and bag limits and seasons change and differ by state. Check the state agency before you keep a fish.
For captains and guides
Your boat, listed free. No commission, ever.
Anglers call you or book on your own website, and you keep 100% of every trip. Want more detail or the one Featured spot in your town? Enhanced is $19/month and City Spotlight $49/month.