How to Make a Pompano Rig

Pompano fishing here in Florida and other tropical locations is very popular. There are many ways and techniques you can use to catch these hard-fighting and very tasty fish. In fact, pound for pound, pompano is the most expensive fish you can buy at over $18.00 per pound. The tackle used to catch them can be a little expensive. Both live and artificial baits can be used to catch pompano. The most popular way to catch them is with live or dead bait. Live or dead shrimp, salted clams, and sand fleas are the most common and most effective baits used. The following article will illustrate how to properly tie your own pompano rig using a tandem rig. This rig can be used with two or even three hooks at one time.

Things you will need:

Spool of 20-25 lb. line

Fingernail clippers

# 1-2 circle fishing hooks (recommended stainless steel)

Regular swivels (stainless steel)

Snap swivel (stainless steel)

Triangle lead weights 2-6 oz. (depending on water conditions)

Step 1) Cut a length of line from the spool of 20-25 lb. line approximately 24 in. long.

Step 2) Use a basic clinch knot to tie a regular swivel on one end of the line.

Step 3) Tie on a snap swivel knot onto the other end of the line.

Step 4) Cut 2 pieces of line 8 in. long apiece.

Step 5) Attach your hooks to the 2 pieces of 8 in. line. Bend a piece of line exactly in half, and insert the cut ends into the hook loop. Put the cut ends through the looped end, and pull them taught. Your hooks will be attached with 2 loose ends.

Step 6) Attach your hooks to your leader (the line that you previously created). Tie a simple loop approximately 8 in. down from your top swivel, and put your cut ends inside this loop. Use a clinch knot to tie the cut ends into this knot on your leader; pull tight on the leader to tighten up the clinch knot.

Step 7) Repeat the above process approximately 8 in. down from the hook attached in the previous step to add another hook to your leader.

Step 8) Attach your pompano rig onto your fishing line and bait your hooks. Happy fishing!

Tips: All of your knots should be trimmed off with your fingernail clippers.

If the surf is rough, you should adjust your sinker weight accordingly to avoid your line being washed up on the beach.

Check your bait often as to avoid only having one baited hook.

Warnings

Always rinse off your rigs and fishing gear with fresh soap and water to avoid saltwater rust from rusting your hardware.