Pompano

Habitat

Surf zones, sandy beaches, harbour mouths and rocky points of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, usually in the top 50 m. Often right behind the breaking waves.

Behavior

Fast schooling fish that hunts small baitfish and crustaceans in the surf. Strikes hard and fights fast for its size. Most active in moving, slightly turbid water at dawn and dusk.

Best techniques

• Surf casting with shrimp or sand worms
• Small metal jigs and spoons cast into the surf
• Light spinning with small minnows
• Float fishing with live shrimp near harbour mouths