beachpirate

Alrighty everyone, vacation is less that 2 weeks away and I am preparing to catch the ever elusive pompano.

I feel like I have the right gear--

couple of surf rods
12 lb test
frozen shrimp and sandfleas ( although the fleas don't stay on very well when casting)
Pompano rig with sinkers 1oz-2oz
Berkley gulp shrimp and sand fleas

Any last minute advice?

Arrrrggghhhhh

Beachpirate

ASH

I would bring along larger sinkers in case there is any heavier surf. I typically throw out 3 oz, but also keep 4 oz and have had times when this wasn't enough to keep things put.
Do you have sand poles to stand your rods up in?
I try to check with local bait stores and see if they have live sand fleas as they work way better than frozen in my short but productive experience.
I also bring along my sandflea seive and after initial baiting up, dig my own fleas.
Other than that, something to sit on and maybe a good book and SPF and you are all set.

Good luck!! Post pics of what you catch.

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Anthony

beachpirate

I do have sand spikes but I will try live sand fleas this time. I have been going for a few years but havent caught anything to speak of. My Rod is about 9ft. I had a 10ft but the new one is a little easier to cast. I walk out about chest high and cast to get a little more distance.

Any other baits or lures to catch another fish?

ASH

I have used live shrimp, dead shrimp and cut baits. Fish you might catch include Redfish, Lady Fish, Pompano, Blue Fish and Flounder. Heck, I've seen sharks within ten feet of the water line. Oh yeah, and the occasional Ray.
I personally have yet to have any luck with throwing lures. Someone else will need to chime in with what works there.
Where will you be fishing as a location?
The trick as I understand it is to try to place your bait just to the shore-side of the sandbar as it will be deeper there and the drop off from the sandbar typically will harbor the baitfish you are attempting to mix with. This is where the "salad bar" of the fish world is located.

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Anthony

beachpirate

In the grayton area. The beach down from topsail.
Looking forward to it.

JohnS

Use circle hooks...the fish takes the bait in and, as it swims away, the circle hook sets itself in the corner of the fish's mouth. Easy to take out and does very little harm to the fish if you want to throw it back. Don't "set" a circle hook...it sets itself. Use live sand fleas if possible. Artificial bait....cast a gold Johnson spoon for reds, lady fish, and blues while your sand flea rig is in the sand spike. Also nylure jig for pompano. "Tip" the jig with a small sand flea or piece of shrimp. Hope this helps.

beachpirate

Does anybody ever use a baitcaster reel to fish the surf with?