Jacks & Pompano


Jacks & Pompano Fishing in the Palm Beaches, Florida


Jacks and pompano are plentiful inshore and along the beaches of the Palm Beaches area. Jack crevalle are aggressive and fight hard, often seen busting bait on the surface. Pompano are more subtle but highly prized for their flavor, frequently caught in the surf zone and inlets.


Where to Catch Jacks & Pompano


You’ll find jacks and pompano:

Inshore around docks, seawalls, and bridges (jacks)

In the surf along Juno, Jupiter, and Palm Beach (pompano)

Near sandbars and troughs just off the beach

Inlets like Lake Worth during tide movement


Best Time to Fish for Jacks & Pompano


Season Activity Level
Winter Pompano are most active in surf; jacks inland
Spring Both species plentiful along beaches
Fall Excellent time for both during bait runs

Peak Season: November through March


Tackle & Tips


Lures: Small jigs, spoons, and topwater plugs (jacks)

Bait: Sand fleas or shrimp for pompano; live bait for jacks

Leaders: 20–40 lb fluorocarbon

Gear: Light to medium spinning setups