Pompano is the species to target in January
Typically, January fishing around Anna Maria Island brings one thing to mind — pompano.
During this month, we start to see a concentration of these tasty fish foraging along the various shorelines and throughout the grass flats. Although these fish are abundant, there seems to be a mystique about them among anglers.
Random catches are more frequent than rallies, which make the fish highly regarded among those who have caught them and especially among those who have eaten them. Pompano offer the best of both worlds for the light tackle angler. Their hard hits and drag-screaming runs are invigorating to even the most experienced fishers, and their fillets are considered to be a delicacy by many.
While targeting pompano, there are a variety of methods one may employ. Still fishing with live shrimp or sand fleas is one method. This technique is mainly used by surf fishers and requires little experience other than casting out a bait and waiting for a bite. Another method, popular among Gulf Coast fishers, is casting small nylon jigs into the surf and allowing them to sink to the bottom. A slow retrieve and aggressive twitch of the jig seems to trigger an exaggerated strike from feeding pompano. Tipping your jig with a small piece of shrimp adds scent, which can aid in getting a strike. Colors and styles of jigs can vary, but most pompano fishers prefer pink, chartreuse yellow or white.
On a recent afternoon, Dave Ferguson, of Holmes Beach, also known for fronting the Dr. Dave Band, fished with me. Ferguson has been fishing our local waters since the 1970s and I relish the stories he tells of fishing Anna Maria during those years so long ago.
Anyway, I knew Ferguson likes to catch pompano and loves to dine on the delicate flavors. So we decided to try our luck and set out in the boat to fish along the beaches. Not five minutes after setting the anchor, Ferguson hooked the first fish. Upon setting the hook, the fish peeled drag and made a sideways dash away from the beach. After a few more twisting turns and powerful runs, the subdued pompano swam into the landing net. I plucked the pink nylon jig, which was stuck perfectly in the corner of the pomp’s mouth and Ferguson and I paused a moment to admire the beauty and strength of this awesome fish before retiring it to the cooler.
After that first fish, we caught a half dozen more, which was the perfect amount for a nice dinner.
Upon arrival at Keyes Marina in Holmes Beach, we filleted our catch and savored the afternoon we had just experienced. What better way to spend the hours than with good company, good fishing stories and the reward of catching the elusive pompano.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says black drum are dominating the bite. Pier fishers using live shrimp are catching limits of the wintertime fish. Casting live shrimp under the pier is resulting in keeper-size drum 15-20 inches. In between, sheepshead, flounder and a few redfish are coming to the party. Pier fishers using jigs tipped with shrimp are catching a variety of species. Bluefish, ladyfish and pompano passing the pier into and out of Tampa Bay are readily striking jigs as they pass by. Popular colors include pink, white and chartreuse.
Capt. Aaron Lowman at Island Discount Tackle in Holmes Beach also is fishing the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key for pompano. By instructing anglers to cast small pink jigs tipped with shrimp, his clients are catching pompano in the 2-pound range. Rallies on the fish are not occurring, although ladyfish, bluefish and jack crevalle are filling the gaps between pompano bites.
By fishing structure in both Tampa Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico, Lowman is finding good action on mangrove snapper and sheepshead. Both species are taking live shrimp offerings with vigor. To catch either species, Lowman likes to use a 1/2-ounce knocker rig with a 2/0 circle hook. Limits of mangrove snapper are frequent. As for the sheepies, the best is yet to come, although enough are going home for dinner.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is fishing a typical wintertime pattern. Dock fishing canals and fishing local reefs inside Tampa Bay is proving prosperous for Gross. Canals and docks are holding mangrove snapper, redfish and black drum with consistency. Live shrimp fished on a weighted rig or on a jig head are producing the bite. On local nearshore and inshore reefs, Gross is finding keeper-sizes of sheepshead and mangrove snapper, as well as a handful of Key West grunts and flounder. Again, shrimp fished on a bottom rig is producing the bite for his clients.
Using soft plastics among grass flats and in small bayous is triggering action for Gross. Redfish and spotted seatrout are readily reacting to jigs, especially on warmer days. Gross is a firm believer in slowing down the action of the jig as opposed to using an aggressive jigging technique. By quietly twitching the jig and slowing down the retrieve, Gross is enticing keeper fish to bite.
Capt. Warren Girle is working in Sarasota Bay with good results. By using live shrimp combined with a popping cork, Girle is putting anglers on a variety of species. While fishing grass flats in depths of 3-6 feet, spotted seatrout are being brought to the boat with regularity. Most trout are 15-18 inches although larger fish are in the mix. Along with spotted seatrout, Girle is catching Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish and pompano. Also, Girle found an unexpected species on the flats — hogfish. That’s right. It just goes to show, you never know what to expect on the hook when fishing our local waters.
Moving out into the Gulf of Mexico, Girle is fishing ledges and artificial reefs. Mangrove snapper are the most abundant on the reefs, resulting in limits for Girle’s clients. Other species being caught include Key West grunts, flounder and juvenile grouper.
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