Best Times And Seasons To Catch Pompano In Texas (Full Detail)

December 17, 2023November 25, 2023 by Fishing Pro

Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) is a highly sought-after fish species prized for its delicate flavour and fighting ability. In Texas, pompano can be found along the Gulf Coast, from Sabine Pass to South Padre Island. They are migratory fish, moving into shallower waters during the warmer months and returning to deeper waters in the winter.

We will read all about the Best Times and Seasons to Catch Pompano in Texas and A Comprehensive Guide to catching Pompano in Texas, covering the best times and seasons, locations, techniques, and tackle.

Contents

Best Times and Seasons to Catch Pompano in Texas

The best time to catch Pompano in Texas is during the spring and fall migrations. In the spring, they move from deeper waters into shallow bays and estuaries to spawn. In the fall, they begin to move back out to deeper waters.

Month	Best Time	Season	Tips
January	Morning and evening	Winter	Dress warmly, as the weather can be cold. Fish in areas with deeper water, as pompano will move to deeper water in the winter.
February	Morning and evening	Winter	The water is still cold, so dress warmly. Fish in areas with structure, such as jetties and reefs.
March	Morning and evening	Spring	The water is starting to warm up, so pompano will be more active. Fish in areas with shallow water, such as flats and bays.
April	Morning and evening	Spring	Pompano are spawning this month, so they will be more active. Use live bait, such as shrimp or minnows.
May	Morning and evening	Spring	Pompano are still spawning, so they will be active. Fish in areas with structure, such as jetties and reefs.
June	Morning and evening	Summer	The water is starting to warm up, so Pompano will be more active. Fish in areas with shallow water, such as flats and bays.
July	Morning and evening	Summer	The water is warm, so Pompano will be very active. Fish in areas with shallow water, such as flats and bays.
August	Morning and evening	Summer	The water is still warm, so Pompano will be very active. Fish in areas with structure, such as jetties and reefs.
September	Morning and evening	Fall	The water is starting to cool down, so Pompano will be less active. Fish in areas with deeper water, such as pompanos will move to deeper water in the fall.
October	Morning and evening	Fall	The water is still warm, so Pompano will be active. Fish in areas with structure, such as jetties and reefs.
November	Morning and evening	Fall	The water is starting to cool down, so Pompano will be less active. Fish in areas with deeper water, as pompano will move to deeper water in the winter.
December	Morning and evening	Winter	The water is cold, so Pompano will be less active. Fish in areas with deeper water, as pompano will move to deeper water in the winter.

Specific Times of Day

Pompano is most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours. They are also known to bite at night, particularly under the light of a full moon.

The best times of day to catch pompano in Texas vary depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown of the best times of day by season:

Spring (March to May)

Best times of day: Early morning (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and late evening (4:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Tips: Pompano are most active during these times, as they are feeding on small crustaceans and other prey.

Summer (June to August)

Best times of day: Early morning (5:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and late evening (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Tips: Pompano are still active during the summer, but they prefer cooler water temperatures. Fish in areas with deeper water during the midday heat.

Fall (September to November)

Best Seasons to Catch Pompano in Texas

Best Times And Seasons To Catch Pompano In Texas (Full Detail) | Fishing Overload (2)

The best seasons to catch pompano in Texas are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these times, the water temperatures are ideal for pompano, and they are more active and easier to catch. Here is a breakdown of the best times to catch pompano in Texas by season:

Spring (March to May): Pompano are spawning during this time, so they are more active and easier to catch. Fish in areas with shallow water, such as flats and bays, and use live bait, such as shrimp or minnows.
Summer (June to August): Pompano are still active during the summer, but they prefer cooler water temperatures. Fish in areas with deeper water, such as jetties and reefs, and use live bait, such as shrimp or minnows.
Fall (September to November): Pompano Beach is starting to move back to shallower water during the fall, so fish in areas with flats and bays. Use live bait, such as shrimp or minnows.
Winter (December to February): Pompano are less active during the winter, so they can be more difficult to catch. Fish in areas with deeper water, such as jetties and reefs, and use live bait, such as shrimp or minnows.

Here are some additional tips for catching pompano in Texas:

Use light tackle and small hooks.
Fish in areas with structure,such as jetties,piers,and reefs.
Use live bait,such as shrimp or minnows.
Be patient.Pompano can be finicky eaters,so it may take some time to catch one.

Specific Seasons

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best times to catch pompano in Texas by season:

Spring (March to May)

Peak season: April
Best times of day: Morning and evening
Location: Shallow water, such as flats, bays, and inlets
Bait: Live shrimp and minnows, especially sand fleas
Tips: Cast into areas with sand or mud, where pompano forage for food. Use a slow retrieve with light tackle to mimic the movement of small prey.

Summer (June to August)

Peak season: July
Best times of day: Morning and evening
Location: Deeper water, such as jetties, reefs, and outer bays
Bait: Live shrimp and minnows, especially white shrimp
Tips: Look for pompano following baitfish schools or around the structure. Use a faster retrieve to target pompano-chasing baitfish.

Fall (September to November)

Peak season: October
Best times of day: Morning and evening
Location: Transition from shallow to deeper water, such as shallow flats and inlets to deeper jetties and reefs
Bait: Live shrimp and minnows, especially sand fleas and ghost shrimp
Tips: Focus on areas with structure and baitfish concentrations. Use a slower retrieve as the pompano transitions back to shallower water.

Winter (December to February)

Peak season: January
Best times of day: Early morning and late evening
Location: Deeper water, such as jetties, reefs, and offshore structures
Bait: Live shrimp and minnows, especially ghost shrimp
Tips: Dress warmly and fish during the warmer parts of the day. Target pompano during feeding periods, such as when baitfish are moving.

Best Locations to Catch Pompano in Texas

Best Times And Seasons To Catch Pompano In Texas (Full Detail) | Fishing Overload (3)

Here are some of the best locations to catch pompano in Texas:

Padre Island National Seashore: This coastal island is home to sea turtles, camping on the dunes, and fishing or boating on lagoons. It is located in South Padre Island, Texas. Directions
Galveston jetties: These jetties are located in Galveston, Texas. They are a great place to catch pompano from shore or a boat. Directions
Aransas Pass: This city is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas. It is a great place to catch pompano from shore or a boat. Directions
Packery Channel jetties: These jetties are located in Corpus Christi, Texas. They are a great place to catch pompano from shore or a boat.

Fishing Techniques for Pompano

Pompano can be caught using a variety of techniques, including:

Drift fishing: Drift fishing is a popular method for catching pompano. This involves drifting your boat along a likely spot and casting your bait or lure into the water.
Wading: Wading is another effective method for catching pompano. This allows you to get into shallow water where pompanoes are often feeding.
Pier fishing: Pier fishing can be a good option for catching pompano, especially if you don’t have a boat.
Casting: Casting from a shoreline or boat is a popular method for catching pompano. Use a light to medium-action rod and a 10- to 20-pound test line. Bait with shrimp, crabs, or small minnows.
Trolling: Trolling is an effective method for catching pompano when they are schooled up. Use a downrigger or planer to get your bait down to the depth where the fish are feeding.

Tackle for Pompano

The best tackle for Pompano depends on the specific technique you are using. However, some general guidelines include:

Rod: A medium- or light-action rod is ideal for pompano fishing.
Reel: A spinning reel with a smooth drag is a good choice.
Line: Use a 20–30-pound test line.
Leader: Use a 10- to 20-pound test fluorocarbon leader.
Bait: Pompano can be caught using a variety of bait, including shrimp, crabs, and minnows. Lures can also be effective, such as spoons and jigs.

Tips for Catching Pompano

Here are a few tips for catching pompano:

Use fresh bait: Pompano are attracted to fresh bait, so make sure you use bait that is in good condition.
Use light tackle: Pompano are delicate fish, so use light tackle to prevent breaking the line.
Fish in shallow water: Pompano are often found in shallow water, so focus your fishing efforts in these areas.
Be patient: Pompano can be picky eaters, so be patient and wait for them to bite.
Enjoy the process: Pompano fishing can be a lot of fun, so relax and enjoy the experience.

Additional Resources

For more information on catching pompano in Texas, please visit the following websites:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/
Texas Sea Grant: https://texasseagrant.org/
Pompano Fishing Central: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oJviNfzlWDI

Conclusion

Pompano fishing can be a rewarding experience, both in terms of the fish you catch and the enjoyment of the process. By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you can increase your chances of catching pompano in Texas.

Best Times And Seasons To Catch Pompano In Texas (Full Detail) | Fishing Overload (2024)