Delaware.gov logo

DNREC Menu


African Pompano


African Pompano are silvery-metallic blue to blue-green on top, being darkest on the head while the underside is more silvery.

They have a small faded darker spot on the gill cover.

African Pompano Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.
Season Open Year-Round
Size Limit No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person No Limit
Delaware Range Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters Rare - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences African Pompano prefer artificial reefs and wrecks at depths from 60 to 300 feet.

They feed on slow moving shrimps, small lobsters, crabs, and occasional fishes.
Did You Know? African Pompano aren't really pompano at all. They are actually in the "jack" family.

Juveniles have tremendously long, threadlike fin tips, which are thought to discourage predators. The fin tips shrink and are lost as the fish grow to adult size.
Common Lures and Baits For African Pompano, live shrimp or small fish are the preferred bait dropped to the depths over artificial reefs.

They will also take jigs tipped with a strip of squid.
Typical Sizes Caught In general, African Pompano caught by anglers range between 18 and 24 inches in length.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight African Pompano are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award, but a large specimen may qualify for an “Unusual Species” award.
Delaware State Record African Pompano are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.



    

+