The jack family of fish contains several species that are popular targets in the waters around Key West. Fast-swimming predators that can be found near reefs, shipwrecks, and in open water, jacks offer a fun and exciting time for anglers of all ages of experience. Here’s a guide to the five most commonly found jacks in and around Key West.
African Pompano
Thought to be among the strongest members of the jack family, the dazzling African Pampano is a tough fighting fish that’s coveted by many Key West fishermen. Its appearance is actually quite remarkable, with a flattened out body that’s widest toward the middle and a protruding lower jaw that gives the pompano a tough, defiant expression. The coloring of the African pompano is also very striking, a silvery blue-green on its back that gives way to darker shades on the head and shoulders before transitioning back to a shining silver belly. In terms of size, the average pompano is approximately 2-3 feet long and weighs in at about 15-30 pounds.
The African pompano is popular table fish and can often be found in reef and wreck areas, often at fairly deep depths. Because of their excellent vision, they respond well to live bait such shrimp and herring, and shad, but you should expect a long fight trying to land one of these beauties. A heavy rod with a large reel is the best option to land a pompano. Otherwise, it can be extremely difficult to keep it out of its shelter.