Florida Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
How to tell it
Deep silver body, yellow throat and belly, blunt face; surf runner.
Often mistaken for
One fish that gets called Florida pompano, and what gives it away.
- Permit: Larger, orange belly patch, deeper body. Tell them apart
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12 in total length minimum | 3 per person | Open year-roundAL MRD 2026 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Atlantic) | 11 in fork length min | 6 per person | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Florida (Gulf) | 11 in fork length min | 6 per person | Open year-roundFWC 2026 · checked | Open |
| Mississippi | No size limit | No bag limit | Open year-roundMS DMR 2026 · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 lb 13 oz | 2010 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Florida | 8.25 lb | 1999 · Port St. Joe | FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Georgia | 5 lb 4 oz | 2002 | GA DNR CRD Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Louisiana | 8.5 lb | 1969 | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Maryland | 6.4 lb | 2023 · Bloodsworth Island | MD DNR Sport Fish State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Mississippi | 5 lb 0.64 oz | 2023 | MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| North Carolina | 8 lb | 2001 · Carolina Beach | NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22 |
| South Carolina | 8 lb 12 oz | 1975 · Charleston | SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 6.41 lb | 2006 · Lower Laguna Madre | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Virginia | 5 lb 10 oz | 1992 · Scarborough Island | VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04 |
How anglers catch it
Sand fleas on a two-hook surf rig in the wash, or a small banana jig bounced along the sand.
On the table
Superb — many call it the best inshore eating on the coast.
In the app
Point the camera at a Florida pompano and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about Florida pompano
What is the size limit for Florida pompano?
It depends on the state. Alabama: 12 in total length minimum; Florida (Atlantic): 11 in fork length min; Florida (Gulf): 11 in fork length min.
How many Florida pompano can you keep?
Alabama: 3 per person; Florida (Atlantic): 6 per person; Florida (Gulf): 6 per person.
How do you tell Florida pompano from permit?
Florida Pompano: Deep silver body, yellow throat and belly, blunt face; surf runner. Permit: larger, orange belly patch, deeper body.
How do you catch Florida pompano?
Sand fleas on a two-hook surf rig in the wash, or a small banana jig bounced along the sand. Methods: bottom, jigging. Baits: sand flea, shrimp, clam. Lures: bucktail, soft plastic.
What is the record Florida pompano?
8 lb 12 oz in South Carolina (1975), Charleston. Other states’ records are in the table.