Juno Pier Pompano Fishing

Nice pompano caught on Friday at Juno Beach Pier using Rich Vidulich rigs and Fish Bites purchased at Fishing Headquarters in Jupiter, FL.

The Pink Full Moon, also named the Harvest Moon, has always marked the signature month for pompano! The Algonquin tribes named moons after natural activities that occurred during its appearance. The pink connotation related to the showering colors of spring flowers, while the Harvest Moon related to the annual shad spawning in Michigan and other northeastern streams.

The pompano migration direction does not follow any specific rules, especially due to significant changes in the jet stream. For example, several weeks back, a late nor’easter provided heavy winds and 8 to 12 ft. seas. I explored this phenomena while broadcasting on ESPN 106.4 FM last month. In a nutshell, I reported that the pomps would leave the Stuart estuary and move 30 miles south, so I advised anglers to expect an epic bite at Lake Worth Pier. Despite offshore captains casting doubt on this prediction, the silver travelers indeed showed up big, rewarding all anglers with a nice three day stint. Literally, hundreds of pomps jumped the rail! Two weeks later and a second Artic front created a successful Ground Hog Day [plausible explanation]. This run lasted eight days and people were hitting limits, galore.

Pompano slabs on the beach

Slab Sunday with Florida Sportsman Captain, George LaBonte, last week!

Last week, the winds changed and then Juno Pier went crazy with fish. A few days later, Blowing Rocks and Hobe Sound Beaches were explosive! Flat, calm days resulted in huge captures for those jigging by boat. Today, Stuart beaches, Tiger Shores and Virginia Forest became the tourist hot spot. All flavors of Fish Bites are working well. For the bigger fish, bait up with large blanched fleas and accent them with orange Fish Bites (any flavor). In clearer waters with no haze, try large white floats tied on a fluoro leader. I built my entire career tying this rig, which is now available in most bait and tackle shops.

The best news is that Dania and Pompano Pier are catching pomps migrating from the Upper Keys. The time is now to put gourmet fish on the grill, but it is running short. The tourists are leaving, Spring Break is almost over, and the beaches will be roomy. Respect your angler neighbors and allow space to bring in these sidewinders. It’s your month, so enjoy it to the hilt!