Pompano Week Part6

Natural Baits for Pompano

The tried-and-true method for catching pompano, natural bait is the choice of many avid pompano anglers. More commonly used on the beaches, natural baits are also effective inshore, especially within the channels on moving tides.

The Best Baits for Pompano

Pompano eat a diet comprised of mainly small crabs, shrimp, clams, and sometimes small fishes. While some of those such as the small crabs -- called sand fleas -- are easily attainable right on the beaches, others are harder to find, but can be purchased either live or frozen from most bait shops. It really seems that some baits work better than others depending on the day, so don’t hesitate to bring a variety of options.

Sand Fleas

Sand fleas, properly known as Mole crabs, live in the surf zone along almost all Florida beaches. They can be seen swimming back to the water after each wave, leaving a fast trail behind them. If you can collect these at the site you are fishing you are golden for two reasons: (1) you have bait, and (2) the fish will likely be in that area, since they will be feeding on those very crabs.

Fiddler Crabs

Fiddler crabs -- most commonly used for sheepshead -- are often overlooked when it comes to pompano fishing. Perhaps it’s the contrast of their dark coloration against the white sand that makes them stand out, but one thing is for sure – pompano love them.

Shrimp

Shrimp are great baits for pompano. They are cheap, easy to get live or frozen, and stay on the hook well. If you can obtain small shrimp, you will be sure to attract a few pompano if they are moving through. Otherwise, pinch off pieces about one-inch long for the hooks.

Clams

Difficult to find here in the wild, frozen clams are available at most bait shops. Clams are pungent – important for attracting fast moving pompano – and tend to stay on a hook quite well under surf conditions.

Squid

Squid is highly pungent and seems to work very well on those really turbid rough seas days, where the pompano can pick up the scent amongst the waves. It is also one of the most widely available frozen baits in bait shops. Cut the squid in small, inch-long sections. Never put the whole squid on the hook if pompano are the target.

Other Baits That Will Catch Pompano

Although it’s not unheard of that a pompano was caught on a small sardine or minnow, they undoubtedly prefer invertebrates. Any other bivalves not mentioned, for example mussels, will work, as well as the myriad of unmentioned crabs – mud crabs, juvenile blue crabs etc. – that inhabit our coasts.