Destiny - Where Your Character Leads You - Tom Rowland Podcast

Captain Matt Budd is an expert pompano fisherman who catches them both recreationally and commercially in the Florida Keys. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how to target pompano, why these fish have skyrocketed in price over the last few years, and the specific techniques that work when they're actively skipping versus when they're laid up on the bottom. Matt reveals the surprising similarities between pompano and jacks in their feeding behavior, and explains the two primary methods he uses depending on how the fish are acting. If you've ever wanted to understand what makes pompano fishing so special—and how to actually catch them consistently—this conversation delivers the insider knowledge you need.

Why Pompano Prices Have Skyrocketed

The pompano market has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and Matt Budd has witnessed it firsthand as both a commercial and recreational fisherman. The demand has exploded, driving prices to levels that have made pompano one of the most valuable fish per pound in Florida waters. But what's behind this surge? Matt explains it comes down to the unique characteristics of the meat itself—that almost buttery flavor profile combined with high omega content creates a dining experience unlike any other fish. For anyone wondering why pompano fishing has become such a hot topic in the Florida Keys and beyond, the economics tell a compelling story about changing markets and consumer tastes.

The Two Methods for Targeting Pompano

Matt reveals that pompano fishing isn't a one-size-fits-all approach—you need to adapt your technique based on how the fish are behaving. When pompano are actively feeding and skipping on the surface, they require a completely different strategy than when they're laid up on the bottom. Matt describes skipping as looking like someone took a flat rock and threw it across the water, a visual cue that tells you exactly what's happening below the surface. Understanding these two distinct feeding modes and matching your presentation accordingly is what separates consistent pompano anglers from those who struggle. The key is recognizing the behavior patterns and having both techniques in your arsenal.

How Pompano Behave Like Jacks

One of the most surprising insights Matt shares is the behavioral similarity between pompano and jacks. Most anglers think of pompano as delicate bottom feeders, but Matt's commercial fishing experience has taught him otherwise. The way pompano move, feed, and react to bait shares striking parallels with jack behavior, which completely changes how you should approach targeting them. This comparison isn't just an interesting observation—it's a practical framework that can transform your pompano fishing strategy. When you understand this connection, suddenly techniques that work for jacks become part of your pompano arsenal, opening up entirely new approaches that recreational anglers typically overlook.

What Skipping Pompano Means for Your Strategy

When Matt describes pompano skipping across the surface like flat rocks being thrown, he's identifying one of the most critical visual cues in pompano fishing. This surface activity indicates aggressive feeding behavior, and it demands a specific approach that's completely different from fishing for laid-up fish. The challenge is recognizing this behavior quickly and having the right gear and technique ready to capitalize on the opportunity. Matt's commercial fishing background gives him unique insight into what's actually happening when pompano exhibit this behavior, and how to position yourself for success. Missing this cue means missing some of the most productive pompano fishing you'll ever encounter, while recognizing it can lead to explosive action.

Final Thoughts from Tom

This conversation with Captain Matt Budd opened my eyes to aspects of pompano fishing I hadn't fully considered before. When someone is fishing for these fish commercially, they're forced to figure out patterns and techniques that go beyond what most of us learn recreationally. Matt's insight about pompano behaving like jacks is something I'll carry with me every time I'm on the water looking for them.

What really stands out is how specific Matt gets about reading the fish's behavior—whether they're skipping on top or laid up on bottom—and matching your technique accordingly. That's the kind of practical knowledge that makes the difference between a slow day and putting fish in the boat. The fact that pompano prices have exploded the way they have tells you something about the quality of the meat, and Matt explains exactly why they're so highly prized at the table.

If you're interested in pompano fishing or just want to hear from someone who's putting in serious time on these fish both commercially and recreationally, this episode delivers. Matt breaks it down in a way that's immediately actionable, and you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to target one of the most sought-after fish in Florida waters. Listen to the whole thing—it's worth your time.