Pompano Fishing in Sarasota: Best Time, Where & How
This guide covers how to catch Pompano in Sarasota, including seasonal patterns, best locations, and techniques that work in local conditions.
Current Pompano Activity
Status: Fair this week
Based on seasonal patterns and recent conditions.
How to Catch Pompano in Sarasota
- Bounce yellow or orange Doc's Jigs with a teaser along the sandy bottom
- Use sand fleas or blanched shrimp on a long-leader pompano rig
- Look for 'skipping' fish in the wakes of boats in the ICW
Where to Find Pompano
Pompano are commonly found in Sarasota surf, nearshore, particularly in the inshore, nearshore zones where moving water concentrates bait.
The deep, swift-moving passes of Sarasota allow for a unique 'pass-drifting' technique that is less common in the shallower, broader bays of northern Florida. Our proximity to the steep beach drop-offs also brings them closer to shore than in other Gulf regions.
Pompano Seasonal Pattern
- Peak Activity: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Sarasota Context: Local movements are highly tidal and temperature-dependent.
Why Pompano Fishing Is Different in Sarasota
Sarasota's unique geometry, featuring deep passes like Big Pass and extensive seagrass meadows, creates specialized feeding lanes for Pompano that differ from other Gulf Coast regions.