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This is the most common of the pompanos and as such are the most commonly caught of them. They are available just about any time of the year, although there seems to be greater numbers in the spring and fall. These fish are very tough fighters on light tackle. They are a schooling fish and at times you can get one after another, or even two on at a time. One pounders are common, with fish up to over 2 pounds being semi-frequent. Twice I’ve submitted IGFA all-tackle-records for anglers, for this species. The second time was for a 2 pound 14 ounce one, which record is still current.

Description: Gaftopsail pompano are quite an attractive fish. Its body is fairly thin and rounded. It is silvery-blue to dark gray along its back, with silver sides and an off-white to yellow belly. Each of the sides of this fish has 4 or 5 gold vertical bars. Its fins are all golden as well, including the very long rear dorsal and anal fin lobes.

Fishing Techniques: By Boat: I caught one once on a small chrome Krocodile spoon but that is rare. Generally, they are caught while bottom-fishing from the shore, as they like to hang out in the shallows along sandy beaches, particularly near rocky points. Use a basic bottom-rig with one or two small bait-hooks, no bigger than 1/0, with cut pieces of shrimp or squid. Smaller sand fleas are also deadly for pompano. Fly-fishermen should be using flies in the sand flea, or sand crab pattern, as well as smaller clousers and 2 inch glittery streamers.

Edibility & Cleaning: They are excellent eating, which is why most anglers would target them. Gut ‘em, scale ‘em and bake ‘em.

* The abbreviated text on this page is taken from the upcoming book "Fishing - Mexican Style" by Jeff Klassen, is copyrighted and may not be used for purposes other than personal use without the written permission from the publisher.

If you want to go catch your own Gaftopsail Pompano in Barra De Navidad, Melaque or anywhere in the Costalegre Mexico area please check out our Fishing Rates and Packages