African Pompano Fishing in Sarasota, FL
A big, deep-bodied jack that schools over wrecks and ledges. A strong, stubborn fighter that is also good to eat.
Typical season
- January: off peak
- February: off peak
- March: off peak
- April: peak
- May: peak
- June: peak
- July: peak
- August: peak
- September: peak
- October: peak
- November: off peak
- December: off peak
Peak months: April to October.
The general season across its range. Ask us about the bite here.
Species guide
African Pompano (Alectis ciliaris)
- How to identify
- Deep, flat, diamond shaped body with a steep rounded forehead, metallic blue back fading to a silvery white belly; juveniles trail long threadlike fin rays.
- Size
- Up to 42 inches and 40 pounds or more; the largest recorded is about 50 pounds
- Habitat
- Young live in open water. Adults are found in coastal and open waters to about 180 feet, often schooling over reefs, wrecks and ledges.
- Range
- Warm seas worldwide. In the western Atlantic, from Massachusetts and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of America and the Caribbean.
- Diet
- Slow moving crustaceans, small crabs and small fish
Did you know? Juveniles have long threadlike fin filaments that may mimic jellyfish tentacles to help protect them from predators.