Introduction
The Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a popular game and food fish that belongs to the Carangidae family.
Conservation Status
The Florida Pompano is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. While very popular with both commercial and recreational fishers due to its taste, conservation efforts including size and bag limits have been implemented to ensure healthy population levels.
Statistics
| Statistic | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 17 inches | 12-25 inches |
| Weight | 2-3 pounds | 1-8 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 3-4 years |
Distribution
The Florida Pompano is found in the waters off the Atlantic coast of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer warmer waters, and can migrate depending on water temperature.
Habitats
These fish typically inhabit warm, shallow, inshore waters with sandy bottoms, such as bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. They can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but thrive in waters between 72°F and 89°F.
When and Where to See
Florida Pompano is most commonly seen during the warmer months, from April through September, often in the early morning or late afternoon. They tend to move closer to shore during the high tide when they are feeding.
Best Fishing Locations
- Pensacola Beach, Florida
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Sarasota, Florida
- Destin, Florida
- Clearwater, Florida
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Galveston, Texas
- Naples, Florida
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Orange Beach, Alabama
How to Catch
Fishing techniques that work well for Florida Pompano include surf fishing, bottom fishing, and sight casting. They are known to take a variety of live and artificial baits, but small, brightly colored jigs, and shrimp or sand fleas are particularly effective. Typically, the fish are most active and more likely to bite in cooler, overcast conditions.
Identification Guide
The Florida Pompano has a compressed body and a steeply sloping forehead, with a small mouth and sharp teeth. Coloration ranges from bluish or greenish on the back to a silver or gold on the sides and a white belly.
Culinary
Florida Pompano is a highly regarded food fish with firm, white, delicate flavored flesh. It can be baked, broiled, grilled, or pan-fried and is often served in fine dining restaurants. Nutritional information: A 6-ounce raw portion has about 164 calories, 33 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat.
Additional Information
The Florida Pompano has a varied diet mostly consisting of bottom-dwelling organisms like worms and small crustaceans. They are also prey for larger fish like sharks and predatory birds. Historically, the Florida Pompano has been a staple food source for coastal Native Americans, and it’s a sought-after sportfish in today’s recreational angling.
References and Further Reading
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FishBase