In summer, Florida pompano are caught along the Mid Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Maryland. Pompano usually appear in the surf in July or August. They are caught close to the beach using mole crabs, peeler crab, or shrimp.
Florida pompano are also drawn to piers and can be caught around the pilings close to the surf line. The Virginia Beach fishing pier, Sandbridge Pier, and Outer Banks fishing piers are good places to target pompano. As fall approaches, tropical storm systems usually signal the end of pompano fishing.
Pompano are fast growing fish, often reaching 12 inches and one pound in their first year. Adult pompano sometimes weigh 2-3 pounds or more.