JoshH

Decided I wanted to go catch a pompano today. Went and cut some sand spikes and loaded everything up and headed to walmart to get some shrimp. I got a pound out of the seafood section and headed to johnsons beach. Got out there and found a little finger on the beach with a washout on the side of it. Thought that would be a decent place to start. I put 2 rods out with 2 peeled little shrimp on my pomp rigs with a 2 oz pyramid lead on both. One was up close and one was out about 100 yards. Then I walked around with a pompano jig throwing it out and up close and everywhere. Did this for like 3 hours. I caught a white crab on some shrimp and a walmart bag on the pompano jig. Someone teach me.

fishinstevez

patience helps so do sand fleas if you can find them

Framerguy

Yeah Josh, I know the feeling! I have been fishing for more years than you have thought of being on this planet and was a very good freshwater fisherman but, since I moved down to the Panhandle and started saltwater fishing, it has been one frustrating trip after another.

I did catch a large pompano last spring and posted it here on the forum, I was so proud, but I now think that the poor fish had a suicide wish and simply chose my pompano rig as an easy way out of some kind of bad situation that he/she got themself into!!

If you find an easy answer to your question, please post it here so at least I can read up on what you learned, OK??

Until then, I will take my pleasure on the water in knowing that I am not hurting the oil industry's shortage of gasoline nor am I making any undue noise with my kayak as I quietly paddle on and feed the fish all of the shrimp and minnow bait that I happen to be able to afford on each trip out.

Right now I could use a stiff Morgan and Coke with a lime twist please.

Uh, ignore that last comment, Josh.

welldoya

Some days they just don't bite.

xl883lo

Josh,

I'm not very good at it either but I will say this about my experience with Pompano. 1)It seems from the description of your day you got a late start....I seem to always catch mine relatively early in the morning and all in about 45 min or an hour. 2) I have best luck on live sand fleas.....but have decent luck on live shrimp, dead sandfleas(if they are not spoiled) and dead shrimp. 3) I never peel my dead shrimp....the pinfish and other small baitfish will just pick them apart and I think the pomps may like the "feel" of the shell better.4)I have had very little success with jigs but when I have itis with a "true" pompano jig. 5) I have my best luck on the backside of the first sandbar adjacent to a cut in the bar or just off of a jetty where the current feeds back into or comes off of the sandbar.6) and last but not least I tried to catch Pompano for years with pre-made rigs and to this day have still not caught one with a pre-made rig.

Maybe a real pro can some better tips...........

naclh2oDave

I have GREAT luck on the premade Walmart pomp rigs. Thats the only wayI fly. I prefer live sand fleas but I know if I use fresh dead shrimp I have a good chance at other fish as well. I look for openings in sandbars and moving water. Fish when you can but sunrise is when the pros go. Most of all just go as often as you can that is when you learn.

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Fishermon

I'm not an expert, but wally pre mades work indeed...the only thing is that sometimes the khale hooks are too big and they tend to rust rather quickly. I usually changed the hooks with # 1 circle hooks and the rigs last longer. Try fresh shrimp or sandfleas...fresh bait will increase your odds. Also, pick your days...wind direction , tides, water clarity, and otherfactors will dictate more positive results....and of course all this and more (different rigs, reading the surf,etc) will help you catch fish. Just go and try different things, thats the only way you are going to learn. Have fun and good luck.

j_purdy

Josh,

Everyone has put out some good info. I'll add, if you buy dead shrimp, make sure its never been frozen and it has the head on so you can really see how fresh it is. Aside from that, it is winter and pompano tend to be a little tougher to find. Just work on learning to scout your spots, read the water for variations that could hold fish, and don't give up! All the work you put in now will pay off HUGE in March/April. Last but not least, when in doubt-just ask. Tight lines

-Jason

JoshH

where do yall like to get your shrimp? outcast?

fishinstevez

yeah its like 3.75 for a cup at outcast. try using them little orange hooks