Pompano FishingIf you want an easy thrill, go pompano fishing on your next Gulf Shores vacation. They can be caught from the beach.Pompano are warm water fish that thrive in the Gulf of Mexico. They are oblong in shape and have deep bodies. These fish have spiny fins and are a shimmering silvery color with a yellow hue to their underbellies. Pompano usually weigh about one or two pounds but a five-pounder is not unusual. The flesh is white and flaky. Pompano is one of the most expensive fish to buy at the market; it is truly a delicacy.
Pompano run in schools so if you find one, there are many more out there. Many avid fishermen will navigate their boats as close to the shore as possible to spook the fish. When they travel by a school, the pompano will skip on the water. I have actually had several jump in my boat. Once a school is spotted, it is time to drop anchor and chum the water. Chumming will draw the fish closer. Fishing for pompano can also be done from bridges or piers. If crabs, sand fleas and barnacles are plentiful, oftentimes so are the pompano. A great trick is to scrape some of the barnacles off of the pilings and let them drop into the water. This will help bring the pompano to your location. On hot summer days I like to wade into the Gulf in search of these tasty fish. I usually fish with shrimp. It is a good idea to keep a small zipper bag of bait in your pocket when surf fishing. If you lose your bait, you will not have to go all the way back to the beach to re-bait your hook. If they are hitting really good, I just stay in the water. If there is a lull between bites, I often wade out and cast as far as I can, open my bail, and then wade back to the beach, tighten my line, and wait for the rod tip to bend. I have my most productive pompano fishing when the water is calm and clear. These fish are not often caught in backwaters. They do show up in Perdido Pass, and I have even caught a few in Terry Cove, but if you want to catch pompano and you don't have a boat, fish from the beach. As I said, my preferred bait is shrimp, but many fisherman say sand fleas are the best bait. Other anglers swear by fiddler crabs. The best advice is to use the bait that is working in the area that day. Ask people that have been catching pompano which bait they are using. Many will be happy to tell you and offer other helpful information. When pompano are biting good, I catch plenty on dead shrimp. Many bait stops will sell dead shrimp cheap. Once the surface temperature of the water hits 68 degrees, it means the pompano have arrived! The best fishing is during the full moons in April and May. Most successful fishermen get up bright and early and fish until late in the evening. After your day of pompano fishing, you’ll be dying to eat that tender fillet. This recipe is quite easy to make and absolutely delicious. You will need: • 4 Pompano fillets • 1 egg • 2 tablespoons of milk • 4 tablespoons of butter (not spread or margarine) • ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs • ½ cup corn muffin mix Melt the butter on medium heat in a large, non-stick frying pan. Mix the egg with the milk. Wisk it well. Combine the breadcrumbs with the corn muffin mix thoroughly. Drag both sides of the fillets through the egg mixture and then cover them with the dry combination. Gently place the fillets into the buttered pan. Cook the Pompano fillets for five minutes on each side. Be very careful while turning the fish as the fillets will break apart in you aren’t cautious. When they are all cooked, gently remove the fillets from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Add a lemon slice and “Voila”, you are ready to eat! After you have tasted this fish, you will be looking forward to your next day of pompano fishing. They taste so good, you will want more. New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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