The sun had barely crested the horizon as the boat (Sea Spirit, headboat) rumbled out of Ponce Inlet, slicing through the glassy morning sea with her new Cummins engines. The regulars were lined up at the rail, their rods rigged and ready, while first-timers leaned against the cabin, sipping coffee and soaking in the salt air. I had worked this boat long enough to know that today felt like one of those special days—the kind where something unexpected hit the deck. The weather had just cleared up, and we knew the fish would be dying to eat.
We were headed to a deep ledge about 25 miles offshore, a spot that usually produced solid amberjack, snapper, and sometimes even a stray cobia. The bite had been steady all morning— vermillion snapper, a couple of nice triggerfish and mangroves, and a hefty AJ that sent the stern into a frenzy. Then, it happened.
One of the regulars, an amazing women named Colleen, set the hook hard. Her rod doubled over, the drag screaming in protest. At first, we all assumed she had a big shark, but something about the way it ran told us otherwise. It didn’t behave like a shark. Instead, it took long, sweeping runs, darting and twisting in a way that kept everyone guessing.
“Feels different,” Colleen strained, knuckles white on the grip. “Not like an amberjack.”
I moved closer, watching the fight unfold. The fish would run deep, then suddenly veer sideways, forcing Colleen to keep adjusting. When it finally started rising, I caught the first flash beneath the boat—a long, silvery shape with trailing fins that glowed in the sunlight.
“You're right,” I muttered. “AP!!”
I scrambled for the gaff. The other anglers backed off, watching as the fish made one last desperate run before surfacing in a flash of chrome. The gaff shot down, and with a quick pull, the fish hit the deck.
For a moment, everyone just stared. The African pompano was flawless—its body almost mirror-like reflecting the sun light. Its long fins trailed, making it look more like something out of a deep-sea dream than a fish you’d expect on a headboat.
“Wow,” Colleen breathed. “Didn’t think I’d get to catch one of these again.” She was smiling ear to ear.
What a day maker fish. African pompano aren’t unheard of off Ponce Inlet, but they’re far from common, especially on a headboat where we are are rigged up for bottom fish. Colleen had been fishing a live grunt on a long leader, which probably made the difference. Right bait, right time, pure luck.
As we snapped photos and admired the fish, I could feel the energy shift on deck. That’s the thing about fishing—one fish, one moment, can change the whole day. Colleen grinned as she watched me pack her fish on ice in the box, and the rest of the boat suddenly felt the urge to drop down fresh baits, hoping lightning might strike twice.
The rest of the trip was solid, but nothing quite topped that African pompano. Back at the dock, it was the fish everyone talked about, the one that made the trip legendary, winning the jackpot for the day. And that’s what I love about working on a headboat. You never know what’s coming next.
Sea Spirit First Mate
Jeremy Scott
Note: Colleen used her winnings from the jackpot towards a Unique Species fish mount of her incredible catch.
From the Editor:
Headboats offer one of the best fishing experiences available to anglers, providing access to deep-water action at a fraction of the typical costs of a private charter. For a reasonable price, anyone—from seasoned fishermen to first-timers—can get out on the water, drop a line, and have a shot at landing something incredible, just like Colleen's African pompano. The thrill of fishing alongside a deck full of hopeful anglers, the camaraderie, and the sheer unpredictability of what might come up next make every trip an adventure. Whether you’re chasing snapper, battling grouper, or landing a rare trophy fish, a headboat gives you a front-row seat to some of the best fishing Florida has to offer—without breaking the bank. Our best suggestion for all the saved money is to simply fish more!
March and April are prime months for catching African pompano off Ponce Inlet, as warming waters trigger their movement onto nearshore wrecks and deep ledges. These fish thrive in the 100- to 200-foot range during spring, making them more accessible to anglers fishing live bait or jigs. With their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, this time of year offers one of the best chances to hook into a trophy-sized African pompano.
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