Mini Double Florida East Coast Surf Fishing

No boats, just Florida East Coast Surf Fishing. Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach, Whiting, Pompano. 

Below is the gear we use:

Okuma Coronado CD65 and CD90 and Mitchell Avocet II reels, H2O Express 12 ft rods, 30lb braid with 20lb mono backer, Eagle Claw 2/0 circle hooks, 3oz. pyramid weights, Fish Bites bait. Today we brought the canopy tent, two folding chairs, and the big Igloo. The fishing beach cart is very helpful!

Smallest Pompano I Ever Caught Florida East Coast Surf Fishing

August 2019 Florida State Regulation Updates Pompano

August 2019 Florida State Regulation Updates Pompano

Permit, Florida Pompano

Special Permit Zone

The minimum size Florida Pompano to keep is 11". There is a daily bag limit of 6 per fisher. The season is open all year. Catching on a hook and line, cast or seine net.

The numbers for inside the Special Permit Zone are different. The minimum size Florida Pompano to keep is 22". There is a daily bag limit of 1 per fisher. The season is open August 1-March 31. In State waters, catching on a hook and line and in Federal waters, hook and line and spear fishing.

As listed on MyFWC, "The Special Permit Zone includes state and federal waters south of Cape Florida in the Atlantic and south of Cape Sable in the Gulf. State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf and from shore to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic."

If you need information on the Pompano Endorsement Zone, Visit MyFWC.

Regulation changes are to set for January 1, 2020 on the Shortfin Mako. The Commission approved an increase of the recreational minimum size limit to 83". Commercial harvest in State waters is banned.

Wikipedia Photo

No boats, just Florida East Coast Surf Fishing

Pompano Rig vs Carolina Rig, Weights, Bait, and Leader Lines

Both the Pompano Rig and Carolina Rig are efficient fish catchers. 

Photo from Pinterest Saltwater Pompano Fishing Rig

Pompano rig is either double or single drop with many sizes and styles. Drop loop links will very, is it closer to your leader line or the weight bottom? I prefer a longer drop from around 12-16 inches from the weight. My second drop is another 12-16 inches from my first. My second drop will always be higher in the water column. The reason I prefer the longer drop loop is that when the fish bites the hook, it takes longer for the fish to feel the resistance of the weight. For Florida East Coast Surf Fishing I prefer a 12 ft. rod. The reason I prefer a 12 ft. rod on Pompano Rig, is it brings my angle elevations higher.

Photo from Ultimate Fishing Site

The advantages of a Carolina Rig are the bait and line can move without resistance of the weight. The disadvantages include getting more catfish bites if you are not fishing for that species. If you are, it is an advantage.


Weight, Leader Line, and Hook Choices

I prefer pyramid weights over sputniks. Pyramid weights from 2-4 ounces are a good casting weight for all species. The lighter the weight, the less resistance the fish will feel. Heavy currents need more weight.

Leader line of choice 20lb fluorocarbon with 1-2/0 circle hooks for Pompano Rigs.
Carolina Rigs a 2-6/0 circle hook depending on what species I am fishing for. Sharks: 50lb leader line, large cut bait, 4-6/0 circle hook; Redfish: 20lb leader line, shrimp, mullet, or crab cut or live bait, 2-4/0 circle hook; Snook: 20lb minimum fluorocarbon, live bait mullet, whiting, croaker, 2-4/0 circle hook.

I like my Carolina and Pompano Rig leader line to a be a minimum of 3ft with 20lb fluorocarbon.

No boats, just Florida East Coast Surf Fishing.