Pompano fishing should be at its peak this month on the treasure coast. Inshore fishing on sandy flats can produce pompano limits if you’re in the right area. Bait fishing with sand fleas on anchor is the best way to catch the most fish, but drifting along the flats can also work well casting small goofy jigs. Expect a lot of jacks, ladyfish, and bonefish in between pompano bites. Snook fishing has been ok when using live pilchards around structure. Bottom fishing has been good using live shrimp along the Indian river. This style of fishing is producing good numbers of sheepshead, blackdrum, redfish, snapper, croaker, pompano, jacks, ladyfish, and the occasional flounder. Fishfinder rigs, weighted jig heads, and or knocker rigs will work well for said species, weights vary based on current for the area you will be fishing and depth. Nearshore fishing remains strong for spanish mackerel and bluefish along pecks lake and north to vero cove. Find the boats, find the fish. Casting shiny jigs and or spoons will produce plenty of bites. I suggest a 3/8oz Tsunami glass minnow jig. Fast retrieve is a must, adding wire leaders is optional, this will reduce the amount of lost lures for the day. Surf fishing for Pompano has been great along local beaches using pompano rigs with sand fleas. Surf fishing this month is even providing us with some nice permit too! Also lets keep an eye out for rays and or turtles along the beaches this time of year, they can have migrating schools of cobia nearby. Cobia jigs on a medium heavy rod rigged and ready can yield a bonus cobia when you are traveling to and from the mackerel grounds. Remember Cobia now have to measure 36″ fork length to keep and 1 per person with a 2 fish vessel limit. Download the Fish Rules app on your phone to stay up to date on current rules and regulations for your specific region.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Jonathan
