First Cast species profile
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Overview
A compact surf and sandy-trough fish that rewards clean water, moving tides, and small bottom presentations.
- Family
- Carangidae
- Typical habitat
- Surf guts, Sandy troughs, Pass edges
- Takes
- Fish bites, Shrimp, Sand flea imitation
- Seasonality
- Tide, wind, and water clarity shape the bite more than the calendar; verify current regulations before keeping fish.
Identification
Not sure what you have caught? Photograph it and First Cast will identify it against the species master.
Identify a catch →Regulations
Needs review: check current TPWD Outdoor Annual before harvesting.
Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.
Source: TPWD Outdoor Annual 2025-2026Verify current regulations with the state or federal authority before fishing.