Florida Pompano

Having demonstrated how to tie a typical "Pompano Rig" in a previous post, I would like to present to you the above photo as proof that the rig works.  While I understand that the Florida Pompano in the photo above is not of the gargantuan variety, they do range in size from one to three pounds on average.  A most special moment was documented on this particular trip to Vilano Beach at the St. Augustine Inlet in April 2012. The brand new, never before cast "Saltiga 4500" was in hand.  The pompano rig was tied and baited.  The first cast with the new rod, reel, and rig delivered to my hands for the first time ever a small Florida Pompano during low tide, between the sandbar trough, at sunrise.  It may not have been a big fish, but it was the target species, and that in itself speaks volumes of the level of understanding one must have for success.

So my first pompano story makes for a great segue (segway) into the world of Deep-sea Fishing.

Baaaaaaaaam, it happened.  Not to me, but on a deep sea charter Jennifer and I were on.  One of the crew decided to fish with us over a heavily chummed wreck in 200 ft. of water resulting in an event that has not happened on the Mayport Princess in over two years.  Yes, the elusive African Pompano nailed the bait and was landed on 20lb. test for the first time in two years on a vessel that goes fishing almost every day of the year.  We will explore deep-sea fishing more in the future with the understanding that when you lower your line into the water be prepared to hold on very, very tight.  That's all I have to say about that.  The incredible thing about all this is that once again, we had fun.