Two-at-a-time pompano catch - Capt. Mike ConnerNow that the winds are down here's Capt. Mike Conner on how to catch Pompano once again
Capt Mike Conner: Inshore skiff and surf fishing is more popular than ever in Florida, but success involves understanding the seasons, choosing the right area for the species desired, reading the water, knowing the tides, presenting baits and lures, and even flies, and of course, mastering various bait rigs and more. I fish extensively from Hobe Sound to Sebastian Inlet, year-round. My summer surf specialty is snook on the fly and my winter and spring specialty is pompano with surf rods in the 10- to 13-foot class. There's no better way to catch this gourmet delight, once you master the tackle and bait presentation.
SGF…Mike what’s the word on Pompano fishing in SE Florida right now?
MC...I consider Thanksgiving the unofficial start to the pompano season along the Treasure Coast. I did catch promising numbers of fish in the surf in October, typically smaller fish, but more legal fish than I did in October last year. Expect plenty of keeper pompano in the 13- to 15-inch (fork) length and by January, some bigger specimens. By Christmas, the Indian River Lagoon should hold good numbers, with some slabs in the 3- to 5-pound class. I consider February through March best for big fish both in the surf and inshore.
IRL Pompano from the skiff,Capt. Mike ConnerSGF…What tackle do novice pompano anglers need at minimum to start with?
MC..In the Intracoastal Waterway, light spin in the 6- to 10-pound class is ideal for fishing flashy pompano jigs weighing ¼- to 3/5-ounce jigs, and fly fishers opt for 6- to 9-weight flyrods. I advise fly fishers to let the weight of the fly determine the flyrod they cast. Some tend to use heavily weighted flies that sink in the manner of a jig, but for some reason insist on casting 6-weight rods that frankly make casting a struggle, especially in the wind. An 8-weight is good for most flies and sinking lines.
In the surf, there are times when spinning tackle and heavy jigs reach the fish, but by and large, this is a bait-fishing scenario for anglers fishing afoot. Traditional 10- to 13-foot conventional and spin rods that handle long casts with dropper rigs and 3 to 6 ounces of lead are a must. This is not to say you will not catch an occasional pompano on a light 7-footer with bait just beyond the trough—it happens mostly at high tide. But on days when the fish are 50 to as much as 100 yards off the sand, the big sticks are a day-saver. I have 12- to 13-foot Lamiglas rods in both conventional and spin made by a local builder that increase the odds of catching fish, no matter the tide.
Fish with Capt. Mike Conner - Surf or SkiffSGF…What lures hooks and bait are effective?
MC...Top lures include short-skirted pompano jigs made by Gulfstream and Nylure in yellow, hot pink or chartreuse, and as of late, many have switched to Docs Goofy jigs or the similar product, produced by Capt. Joe Massaro, found in most area tackle shops. Some of these come with built-in teasers that are deadly. Though Clouser Minnows work for fly fishers, there are many innovative flies that pompano fly fishers have come up with. I make a fly, my Pompano Plus, modeled after the popular jigs, and there’s another, the Flig, designed by Captains Barry Brimicomb and Marsha Foosaner, that is similar, though has an epoxied over metal head. In the surf, or the rivers, anglers fishing sand fleas, shrimp or cut clams choose from Mustad Kahle or Eagle Claw circle hooks.
SGF… Are there features to look for on the beach that indicate where to fish? What tides are best?
MC...When possible, I fish an east to southerly wind for the off-clear water pomps seem to like. Misty green water is super most days, and muddy or too clear water should be avoided. That’s a good start, and if you are observant, you can spot cuts in the bars where swells do not break as badly. They serve as passages for pompano to access the beach. A high tide puts them closer for “short rodders,” but lower tides can be good too, if you can reach the fish on the second bar.
SGF…Do inshore grass flats hold pompano?
MC...Pomps love to raid the grassflats to fed on not only shrimp and tiny crabs, but even minnows (stomach checks prove that!) and especially those with mixed bottom—some crunchy shell or oysters, or spoil riprap that holds crabs and other small crustaceans.
SGF…What about fly fishing for Pompano?
MC...My favorite method for top sport. Tackle and flies are described above, but I will emphasize that a floating line will work fine in up to four feet or so, but I like a clear intermediate or a medium sink rate line such as Scientific Angler’s Uniform Sink. The sinking lines allow you to fish a fly with less lead for weight, and that makes casting easier. With sinking lines, my leaders are simple—a 3- to 5-foot piece of 15-flurocarbon, with perhaps a 20- or 25-pound bite tippet if ladyfish are particularly abundant where I fish. When you hook a good-sized fish, be ready to clear loose line from the deck to get the fish on the reel; they don not run nearly as far as a bonefish or big red, but they are lightning fast.
How to fish with Capt. Mike Conner? MC.. A half or full day surf trip will involve some road travel between Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River county beach accesses to stay on the fish. I fish the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River from my fully rigged Action Craft skiff. All tackle is provided, and hands-on instruction is the focus. On-the-spot fly casting lessons or surf casting lessons and all tackle and licenses is included. I can fish one or two anglers.
Visit, www.captmikeconnerfishing.com or call (772)521-1882
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