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View Full Version : Pompano, anyone try this?



abr10dr
03-05-2007, 07:32 PM
Found this on the S.C. DNR site anyone every try this?

"Pompano

During late summer, the fine tasting pompano is relatively abundant in the surf zone but not heavily fished. Pompano frequent the surf zone right where the waves break in "suds" on the beach. These fish feed on mole crabs which live in this high energy area. The crabs burrow into the sand as the wave breaks, and as the water retreats from shore after breaking, the crabs strain the water for microscopic food items that are suspended by wave action. Before the next wave breaks, these small crabs (1/4 to 3/4- inch in length) burrow into the sand.

Not all mole crabs manage to bury themselves after each wave, however, and some are swept short distances from the beach by the retreating water. Pompano cruise just beyond the foam feeding on these crabs.

Pompano have small mouths and since mole crabs also are small, a no. 1 or no. 2 hook should be tied directly onto the line (8- pound test) from the reel. Flip the baited hook into this area and allow it to be carried about by the current. A very small piece of split shot (1/16 or 1/32 ounce) on your line will keep it slightly down in the water column as it drifts. A small float about 12 or 16 inches away from the hook gives a better idea of the location of the bait.

Pompano in the surf generally weigh less than a pound but are fine food fish. If the bait is too far offshore you will not catch pompano. If you fish directly in the suds, you might still miss them but you may latch onto a whiting, a small red drum, or even a flounder. Like pompano, these other fishes are letting the wave action bring them a nice mole crab dinner. "

Rick

rock n crab
03-27-2007, 02:08 PM
Thanks for the info Rick, I'm there every year for the week of July 4th and will give this a try..

cculpepper
03-29-2007, 08:05 AM
When my kids were little we would vacation in that area every year with 2 other families. There were 7 kids in all and each wanted to fish. Not being able to afford that many rods, I rigged up cane poles and they would fish in the suds. It was not unusual to fill a large bucket with pompano before their attention shifted to other activities. The fish were all about hand size and made for many delicious dinners.

CPfisher
03-29-2007, 09:19 PM
I was in Myrtle Beach last August. There was a group of guys who fished every morning and evening. They were using fresh shrimp as bait not mole crabs. Lightweight rods 8 pound test sounds about right. They did catch a lot of Pompano but they were not very big. I’ll be in Myrtle again this summer will give the mole crabs a try. Thanks for the info.

abr10dr
04-01-2007, 09:17 AM
Tanks for the response, We go to Isle of Palms a couple of times a year, haven't fished for years but am getting back into it. This will be perfect for the grandkids!

Thanks again, Rick

tcannonsr
04-02-2007, 09:05 AM
Here in Virginia Beach, and on the Outer Banks I have used this same method for years. Also a small egg sinker will work, just leave some slack in the line. As the line tightens from the current, just pull the slack out and let it run again. I also use # 6 hooks for a higher hook up rate.When they are here it is very effective. I have also caught numerous whiting (roundheads), and a few flounder. Here in Va. the flounder have to be 18 1/2", so they are all throw backs.

ghrousseau
04-03-2007, 10:15 AM
Pompano is my absolute favorite fresh fish at the sushi bar. They are very sweet and the texture is wonderful. You can also deep fry the whole carcas of the fish after it has been cleaned and eat it bones and all.

Going to have to give it a try. I just moved out here from CA and didn't know you can catch them this far north. I have lots of mole crab patterns as we used them in CA to flyfish for surfperch.:fishing2: