Pompano Week Part3

Rods and Reels for Pompano

Since pompano fishing varies greatly from the beaches to the inshore estuaries, there are many options available for each situation. Although some rods serve pretty much one purpose – such as a 13-foot surf rod – many rods can be quite versatile and used in many areas.

A Spinning Rod and Reel for Pompano Fishing

A spinning rod-and-reel combination is the most versatile option. Given the surf conditions are not too rough, a medium-action rod matched with a medium reel holding 8-to-12 pound test line is appropriate for either live baiting or jigging the beaches from shore. When surf conditions get rough, or the fish are just way out there, a larger fast-action surf rod with heavier line is required.Inshore however, a medium to light reel, holding anywhere from 14-down-to-6 pound test, paired with a fast action rod will give you farther casts, and more sensitivity.

 The “Perfect” Spinning Rod and Reel for Pompano:

• A 7-foot spinning rod with extra-fast action.

  A fast action rod will not only allow you to cast farther, but will also allow for a more powerful hook set – an important factor, giving the pompano’s tough, rubbery mouth.

• A Spinning reel with a low or medium gear ratio.

  A lower gear ratio gives you more power for reeling in pompano, a fast and powerful fish.

• A medium spinning reel with 6-to-14 lb. monofilament or fluorocarbon line.

  The size of the line here depends on the day and area fished. In general, a lighter line setup can be used inshore and on calmer beach days, while a heavier setup is required for rough surf.

Using Bait-casting Rods and Reels for Pompano

Many avid surf fishermen prefer to use a large bait-casting rod and reel combination in the surf, as they allow farther casts when the fish are just too far to reach with a standard spinning setup.

 The Perfect Bait-casting Rod for Pompano Fishing the surf would be:

• An 8-to-10-foot casting rod with a fast action.

  Fast action rods allow you to cast farther by giving that extra whip at the end of the cast. Coupled with a bait-casting reel, several hundred feet of casting distance will be a breeze.

• A Conventional Reel with 12-to-14 lb. monofilament of fluorocarbon line.

  Using as light a line as possible for your reel will give you greater casting distance, and will be less visible to the fish, too.

Fly-rods for Pompano Fishing

Fly-fishing for Pompano is exhilarating. Most commonly done inshore, it can also be done in calmer surf conditions, particular on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

To pick the perfect fly-rod for pompano fishing, consider the following:

• Fly-rods come in different sizes, called “weights.” An 8-or-9 weight fly rod is required to cast the large, sinking flies required for catching pompano.
• A stiff, fast action rod will allow you to cast farther, and have more powerful hook sets. Remember that pompano have tough, rubbery mouths, and need to be hook-set properly.

 A General Comment about Pompano Tackle

Depending on your preference, either a medium spinning or bait-casting reel will work for both inshore and surf fishing situations, if the appropriate conditions are met. Pompano don’t seem to be necessarily leader shy, but you should always lean towards the lightest line possible to get farther casts and greater sensitivity.For fly-fishing, use a heavier fly-rod than you would think a 1-to-3 pound fish would need, since you will be needing the heavier rod to cast the sinking line and flies that are necessary for pompano fishing.