April Pompano Fishing Rocks!
- captainbrant
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Springtime Pompano Fishing in Orange Beach, Alabama: A Local’s Guide
As the Gulf waters begin to warm and the spring sun rises higher in the sky, Orange Beach, Alabama, comes alive with one of the most exciting and accessible fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast—Pompano fishing. Known for their speed, fight, and flavor, pompano are a favorite target for both locals and visiting anglers alike during the spring migration.
Why Spring Is Prime Time for Pompano
Pompano begin their coastal migration as water temperatures rise into the 65–75°F range, typically starting in late March and continuing through May. In other words, for the entire month of April. Spring marks their return to the surf zones and sandy flats along Alabama’s coastline, making it an ideal time to target them near the jetties of Perdido Pass and in the surf along the beaches. The stretch of beach along Orange Beach and nearby Gulf Shores offers the perfect blend of clear water, sandy bottom, and food-rich currents that pompano love. This is when they’re most active—and most aggressive.
Where to Fish for Pompano in Orange Beach
1. The Surf: One of the best parts about pompano fishing is they are found all along the beaches. Walk out onto the white sand beaches at sunrise or sunset and cast just past the breakers. Pompano cruise the troughs and sandbars looking for sand fleas, shrimp, and other small crustaceans.
Top spots include:
Perdido Pass
Cotton Bayou Beach
Gulf State Park Pavilion area
2. Pier Fishing:The nearby Gulf State Park Pier (check current conditions as it undergoes maintenance periodically) is another popular spot where pompano often show up in the spring, especially on calmer days with clearer water.
3. Inshore Flats:If you’ve got access to a boat or kayak, shallow inshore flats near Perdido Bay and Little Lagoon can also produce pompano, particularly on days with good water clarity.
Best Baits and Tackle
Pompano have a reputation for being picky at times, but with the right bait and presentation, you’ll be hooked up in no time.
Baits:
Fresh or live sand fleas (mole crabs)
Live or Fresh Dead Shrimp
Fiddler Crabs
Fishbites or Fish Gum – great synthetic alternatives when natural bait is scarce
Rigs:
Pompano Rigs: Double-drop rigs with small circle or kahle hooks (size 1 to 2/0), a few bright beads or floats, and pyramid sinkers to keep your bait in place in the surf.
Jigging: For active anglers, using a yellow or pink jig tipped with Fishbites can be deadly when sight-casting or blind casting in clear water.
Rod and Reel Setup:
Light spinning gear
8-14 lb monofilament or braid
A sensitive rod tip helps detect those subtle bites
Timing and Tips
Early morning and late afternoon are prime times.
Incoming tides bring feeding fish closer to shore.
Look for clear water, mild surf, and clean sandbars—these are pompano highways.
Don’t forget your Alabama saltwater fishing license (online at www.outdoralabama.com).
Visit the 24 Hour Live Shrimp Kiosk to choose the perfect bait for targeting Pompano.
Why Pompano Are Worth the Chase
Besides being a blast to catch, pompano are also one of the tastiest fish in the Gulf. Their firm, white flesh is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Many anglers consider fresh-caught pompano a true delicacy.
Final Thoughts
Spring in Orange Beach offers more than just warm breezes and sugar-white sands—it brings the thrilling chance to connect with one of the Gulf’s most sought-after fish. Whether you're casting from the beach with bare feet in the surf or or aboard with Fins and Family Fishing at sunrise, pompano fishing in the spring is an experience that combines relaxation with just the right dose of excitement.
Grab your gear, hit the sand, and enjoy what many locals call the best fishing season of the year.
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