In theory they’re for pompano, but apparently most fish can’t read or … now get this … differentiate between baits stabbed onto a run-of-the-mill hook or those festooned to a pompano rig.

In theory they’re for pompano, but apparently most fish can’t read or … now get this … differentiate between baits stabbed onto a run-of-the-mill hook or those festooned to a pompano rig.

While acknowledging the effectiveness of a pompano rig, Capt. Mike offers alternatives, including the pompano jig. “You can also use a slider rig, or jig,” he says.

Gene Lytwyn (The Fishin’ Hole) is hearing mostly of pompano and whiting, and says his folks have been using the time-honored pompano rig with shrimp, sandfleas, clams or FishBites.

The pompano will soon be traveling north in big groups, but your pompano rig should've been in the tackle box all along.

Kicking off the beach fishing season with an action-packed session and the pompano are already biting! Join us surfside for fresh rigs, coastal views, and that first catch excitement you can’t beat.

This technique is where the artificial fleas shine. The usual pompano bait-rig consists of two pompano hooks (wide-gapped, designed to hold a sand flea), one above the other, about a foot apart.

Mangrove snapper have been caught inside around the oyster beds and structure around the mangroves, reports Schleissing at Gulf Coast Bait and Tackle (727-343-4181).

Using 20-pound test spinning tackle with 1/0 hooks, Schroeder baits his sand fleas in the meaty center. Using a 1-ounce sinker, if any, he drops the bait into the surf.