Two of the hardest fighting fish that swim in our waters are also the easiest to catch in the winter, namely the pompano and bluefish. Without a doubt these are my favorites when the waters are chilly. These flashy silvery gamefish occupy different waters than the most sought after speckled trout. Trout are just about anywhere there is submerged vegetation in 4 feet of water but not these two. Bluefish and pompano are nomadic, traveling constantly with short visits to sandbars or should I say snack bars! Charlotte Harbor, the intercoastal waterway and the beaches all have shoals and hard sand areas where these fish can be found.
When searching for pompano you might want to keep an eye on your wake as you cruise the waters because they will often jump once you have disturbed them. Many charter captains don’t fish for them unless they see them jump but I fish differently. These fish like any others get disturbed by the presence of a boat and running over them will often turn them off. I prefer to idle and look at a distance for black tails. Pompano have a very defined large V-shaped black tail that stands out on the sandy bottom and its easy to spot on a sunny day. Using any type of small jig with a short hackle or feather tail will work or just a plain jig head. Tip either with a half of shrimp and you are in business. My key water depth for pomps is in 3-4 feet of water. Deeper than this and you catch ladyfish. Pompano is certainly one of the finest eating fish that swims so between its amazing drag pulling escapades and occasionally jumping to being seared on a pan, its my winter favorite fish! Most will find they luck into pompano and can’t pattern them. The key to consistently catching pompano is to change spots constantly until you hit a school. Since they are on the move where they were yesterday doesn’t mean they will be there today.
Bluefish on the other hand I find a bit more predictable. They will often be in the same places as the pompano but I have certain spots where I can expect them to be day after day. The same jigs work for bluefish as does any fast moving plug or spoon. For table fare they are good but choose the smaller ones and remove the dark red meat or it is too fishy tasting.
Both fish will burn drag and both jump occasionally which is a good thing. Bluefish have some seriously dangerous teeth so handle carefully, pompano have a soft pliable mouth. If you find your lures bit off, then bluefish are in the area. If you add a steel leader you won’t get any bites from either of these fish. They are just too smart in the clear winter waters.
The silver flashy revved up fight of these amazing gamefish will make your day and a perfect evening once on the dinner table.
