Name/Relations || Range/Sizes || Habitat & Habits ||  Notes

	Note: bars distinguish it from the permit, elongated fins seperate it from the florida pompano

Common Name:   Palometa
Other Common Names:  Little Pompano, silver pompano
Scientific name:  Trachinotus goodei
Family:    (Jacks)
Related Species:  Florida Pompano, Permit

Sizes:  To 3.5lbs maximum, common 1/2lb-1.5lbs
 

Habitat:  Warm sandy beaches and inshore waters: Surf zone, shallow reef edges, and on the edges of deep passes. If mole shrimp are present, these will also be present. Seeks water 70 F and warmer (especially warmer).

Spawning Habits:

Feeding Habits:  Feeds on small minnows (especially glass minnows, silversides, and bay anchovies) and crustaceans (crabs, mole shrimp, and shrimp) on the surface, around shallow sandy reefs, and around floating weeds, and particularly in the surf zone.
 

Notes:  A common companion of the Florida surf angler and snorkeller and of surf fishers throughout the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico in the summer. It is easy to catch on light lines (4lb-2lb test) and with small lures (1/16oz crappie jigs, bucktails, small spoons and spinners) and flies (clousers, shrimp and crab patterns in #10-#4) as it feeds on small mole shrimp disturbed by advancing and receeding waves.  Small pieces of fresh shrimp and live glass minnows or minnow pieces are also good baits when fished on a split shot rig or bottom finder rig.  Set the drag very light as they hit fast and run even faster.They are very good to eat.