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Species · Lookalikes

PalometaorFlorida Pompano

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

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PalometaTrachinotus goodei
Studio photograph of a Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), side view, on a white background
Florida PompanoTrachinotus carolinus

Rules for both fish from 4 state rulebooks, checked Sep 18, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Palometa

Surf pompano with dramatically long black-edged dorsal and anal lobes and four faint side bars.

Florida Pompano

Deep silver body, yellow throat and belly, blunt face; surf runner.

Florida pompano, next to palometa: no long black lobes, no bars.

Side by side

PalometaFlorida Pompano
Scientific nameTrachinotus goodeiTrachinotus carolinus
Also calledLongfin pompano—
WatersInshoreNearshore
Heaviest state record1.5 lb · Texas (2006)8 lb 12 oz · South Carolina (1975)
On the tableExcellent — pompano-grade.Superb — many call it the best inshore eating on the coast.
Rules of its own in2 states4 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

The two fish are regulated differently in 4 of 4 states with a rule for either. In Florida (Atlantic), palometa is No size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per day and Florida pompano is 11 in fork length min, 6 per person. Call the fish wrong and you keep a short one or throw back a legal one.

StatePalometa: size · bag · seasonFlorida Pompano: size · bag · season
AlabamaNot specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.12 in total length minimum3 per personOpen year-roundOpenAL MRD 2026 · checked
Florida (Atlantic)No size limit2 fish or 100 lb per dayOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · checked 11 in fork length min6 per personOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · checked
Florida (Gulf)No size limit2 fish or 100 lb per dayOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · checked 11 in fork length min6 per personOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · checked
MississippiNot specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.No size limitNo bag limitOpen year-roundOpenMS DMR 2026 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, palometa or Florida pompano, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell palometa from Florida pompano?

Palometa: Surf pompano with dramatically long black-edged dorsal and anal lobes and four faint side bars. Florida Pompano: Deep silver body, yellow throat and belly, blunt face; surf runner. Florida pompano, next to palometa: no long black lobes, no bars.

Which gets bigger, palometa or Florida pompano?

Florida Pompano. The heaviest state record we hold is 8 lb 12 oz in South Carolina; the heaviest palometa record is 1.5 lb in Texas.

Which is better to eat, palometa or Florida pompano?

Palometa: Excellent — pompano-grade. Florida Pompano: Superb — many call it the best inshore eating on the coast.

Do palometa and Florida pompano have the same limits?

Not everywhere. They differ in 4 state rulebooks. Florida (Atlantic): palometa No size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per day, Florida pompano 11 in fork length min, 6 per person; Florida (Gulf): palometa No size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per day, Florida pompano 11 in fork length min, 6 per person; Alabama: palometa no rule of its own, Florida pompano 12 in total length minimum, 3 per person; Mississippi: palometa no rule of its own, Florida pompano No size limit, No bag limit.