While jigging sabiki rigs for blue runners in an area pass last week, we were surprised to catch a 3-pound pompano. On a return trip we targeted these tasty members of the jack family and landed a half-dozen. All were taken on small yellow jigs with sparse nylon hair. The key to making pompano bite these jigs is a quick up-and-down action, which means the lure should be painted mostly lead with just enough yellow hair to get noticed. Pompano feed primarily on crustaceans, so fish-shaped rubber jig bodies are not the best choice.
Pompano have keen eyesight, so avoid braided lines and leader material. I prefer 10-pound test monofilament with the jig tied directly to the line with a loop knot. The drawback is that Spanish mackerel and bluefish will cut off their share of lures.
Look along sandbar edges with steep dropoffs and clean, fast water. Veteran pompano fishermen have learned to capitalize on the fish's habit of leaping sideways when startled. "Skipping" is accomplished by running the boat along likely edges and watching the wake for airborne fish. Once a few are spotted, the motor is shut down and the anglers start jigging. Although pompano can be difficult to catch consistently, the hard fight, classic jumps and great food quality make them worth the effort.
