Pompano Week Part7

Artificial Lures for Catching Pompano

Many pompano anglers are very successful using artificial baits. Even for the diehard live-baiters out there, sometimes live bait for pompano is hard to come by, and the frozen bait just falls off the hook in the wave action of the surf if it’s not fresh enough. Fortunately in both of these situations, artificial lures work great for pompano, and we’ll discuss the best ones here.

Lures for Catching Pompano

There are many artificial lures on the market that are specifically designed for Florida pompano – and for good reason too! Most of the lures mimic a natural prey of pompano, such as a crab or shrimp, but you’ll notice that some look a little strange and nothing like the natural prey. That’s O.K. though, because for some reason, many of these lures just really work.

“Pompano Jigs” for Pompano

Walk into any coastal bait and tackle shop, or even any “big box” store that has fishing equipment, and you will see artificial lures called “pompano jigs.” These jigs will vary, but are often comprised of a fairly heavy lead weight, a sharp kahle or circle hook, and an assortment of some bright colors. Fish these jigs by letting it sink to the bottom, jigging twice before each sink.

                                         Several pompano jigs have been developed, including the popular “goofy” jig.

Freshwater Panfish Jigs for Pompano

Panfish jigs designed for targeting crappie and other panfish work great for Florida pompano. These jigs usually come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, and it is generally good to have an assortment of each. Fish them as you would for a pompano jig, letting it sink to the bottom after two jerks at a time.

Commonly called “Crappie jigs,” these small 1/8 or 1/16 oz jigs are also great for pompano, and can be fished in the same pattern as traditional pompano jigs.

Artificial Flies for Pompano

Of course, we cannot forget the humble fly for catching Florida pompano. Productive flies mimic the natural prey of pompano – crabs, shrimps, and sometimes small fish – and are perfectly sized for their rather small mouths. Use a sinking fly and fly-line, as these fish feed primarily off the bottom.

A General Statement about Pompano Lures

Whereas some species require a very lifelike lure – the ones where you think for a second that one of your live mullet must have jumped in your tackle box on your last fishing trip – many of the most productive pompano jigs are very simple. They are very bright and colorful, but very simple. Whether using a jig or fly, the trick is to get your lure to the bottom, as that is where the fish will be feeding.