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Get ready to dig your toes in the sand and cast a line into the emerald waters of Perdido Key! This half-day pompano surf fishing trip with Captain Chuck is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to score some of Florida's tastiest fish right from the beach. You'll learn the ins and outs of reading the surf, setting up rigs, and landing those silvery fighters that make the Gulf Coast a angler's paradise.
Captain Chuck knows Perdido Key like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. You'll meet up bright and early at 6 AM at the Welcome Center, then head to a prime stretch of Florida shoreline where the pompano are running. With room for up to 4 anglers (and the option to add 2 more), it's an intimate experience where you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance. The early start means calm waters and active fish, so you're set up for success from the get-go.
If you've never tried surf fishing before, don't sweat it. Captain Chuck will show you the ropes, from rigging up to reading the waves. You'll be using specialized set rigs designed to tempt pompano cruising the sandbars. But here's the kicker - while pompano are the stars of the show, you might also hook into redfish, whiting, black drum, and even the occasional shark or mackerel. It's like a seafood sampler, but you catch it yourself!
Perdido Key's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Florida, and there's something special about fishing with your feet in the sand. It's low-key, laid-back, and perfect for families or folks who get queasy on boats. Plus, the variety of fish you can catch keeps things exciting - you never know what might be on the end of your line!
Florida Pompano: These silvery speedsters are the main attraction, and for good reason. Pompano are known for their hard fights and delicious, mild-flavored meat. They typically weigh 2-5 pounds and love to cruise the surf zone hunting for sand fleas and small crustaceans. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round in Florida.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Gulf Coast anglers. They put up a great fight and can range from 5-40 pounds. Redfish love to patrol the surf zone, especially in the cooler months. Landing one of these guys is always a thrill.
Whiting: Don't let their small size fool you - whiting are fun to catch and taste great. These 1-2 pound fish are often found in schools, so when you catch one, there's usually more nearby. They're perfect for kids or beginners to practice on.
Black Drum: The big brothers of the sheepshead family, black drum can grow huge - up to 50 pounds or more! They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they put up a great fight and the smaller ones are good eating. Look for them near structures or in deeper holes along the beach.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, this Perdido Key pompano trip is a must-do Florida fishing experience. You'll learn new skills, catch some fish, and soak up the sun on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Sunshine State. Captain Chuck's laid-back style and local knowledge make for a fun, productive day on the water (or rather, by the water). Just remember to grab your Florida fishing license, bring some drinks, and maybe a comfy beach chair. The fish are waiting - all you have to do is show up and cast a line!
The Florida Pompano is one of the most prized fish in Florida. In appearance, Florida Pompanos are compressed in structure. They are flat on both sides and appear tall and thin. The Florida Pompano has a short snout and it has a silvery, white-blue body with yellow fins. Its tail fin is deeply forked and all its fins are yellow in color. The Florida Pompano also has a short dorsal fin, being separated by six spines.
A Florida Pompano has around 20-24 anal rays. They have a yellowish underbelly but a dark green-gray hue on their dorsal side.
A fish with a moderately compressed structure, Florida Pompano usually slip through vertical crevices to find their food. Their diet usually consists of mollusks, crustaceans, smaller invertebrates, and fish. While feeding, Florida Pompanos usually travel in schools.
Florida Pompano can grow up to 12 inches. Their average weight is around 1-3 lbs. Though, there have been some cases of an 8-9 lbs Florida Pompano being caught.
Florida Pompano is a terrifying fighter when caught. As a member of the Jack family, it’s quite tenacious as a fish and will definitely give even experienced anglers a run for their money and quite the thrill.
When fishing for Florida Pompano, use small hooks as they have small mouths; using a big hook will definitely drive them away. Live bait such as mollusks or worms works best for this fish. If using jigs, its best to use is brightly colored ones, especially in clear waters. Similar to fishing for a Great Pompano, using yellow- or orange-colored jigs will catch their attention.
The best time during the year is during the summer and fall since they usually move deeper into the water during the winter.
Florida Pompanos like staying near the Gulf beaches where there’s an abundance of shrimp and mollusks. Sometimes you will find an adult Florida Pompano has moved into bay areas.
