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Florida Pompano

Florida Pompano

Florida Pompano in Louisiana are highly prized silver-colored fish belonging to the jack family (Carangidae).

These schooling warm-water fish are considered 'glamour fish' among Louisiana anglers, prized both for their fighting ability and exceptional table fare.

Scientific Name: Trachinotus carolinus

Physical Characteristics:

Blue-greenish silver backs fading to canary yellow bellies. In Louisiana waters, pompano typically range from 12-14 inches and weigh 1½-2 pounds, though the state record is an impressive 8 pounds, 8 ounces caught in 1969.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Inhabit inshore and nearshore waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico, from surf zones and beaches to depths of 130 feet. Prefer sandy or mud-bottomed coastal bays, lakes, and sandy beach waters.

Key Locations

Areas from the back of Last Island across to Timbalier Island, the Breton and Chandeleur Sounds, and around wellheads in 10-25 feet of water

Specific Spots

Around sandbars and structure, wellheads in 10-25 feet of water. Pompano suspend rather than stay on bottom in deeper water.

Florida Pompano FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Florida Pompano in Louisiana?

Most productive during March and April when they're up on sandbars spawning. Commercial strike net season runs August 1 through October 31, indicating this as another active period. General offshore movement during winter months.

How do you catch Florida Pompano in Louisiana?

Use sliding cork rigs set to keep shrimp about 2 feet off the bottom in 4 feet of water. For deeper water fishing (out to 40 feet), use sliding corks set down about 10 feet since pompano suspend rather than stay on bottom.

What do Florida Pompano eat?

Feed on crabs, mollusks, shrimp, small clams, mussels, beach fleas, and small crustaceans using their protrusible mouth to root through sand and mud

Where do Florida Pompano live in Louisiana?

Inhabit inshore and nearshore waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico, from surf zones and beaches to depths of 130 feet. Prefer sandy or mud-bottomed coastal bays, lakes, and sandy beach waters.

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