DIY: Catch More Pompano Making Your Own Float Hooks

Summer is just around the corner here in Texas, and my mind is finally drifting towards getting down to the Emerald Coast to catch some pompano in the surf.

Time Tested Technique

I can’t claim credit for this technique as I was turned on to it in 2017 while watching videos of a commercial pompano fisherman, 311Pope, who has since taken all his content down. Honestly, I can’t remember what the exact specs were, but I thought I’d share my interpretation if you are planning to do some surf fishing this summer.

The idea is to create a hook that will float the bait off the bottom while giving the illusion of a sand flea, a favorite food of the pompano. I run them on a double-dropper rig that I hand-tie using 20lb monofilament.

This is one of the techniques we use to pull in the pompano while surf fishing in Florida and Alabama as I documented last summer in Gulf Shores.

Materials Needed

• Mustad 37160S-SS 2/0 Kahle/Croaker Hooks
• Comal Tackle Peg Float – Non-Slotted
• Round Plastic Beads, 5MM, Orange Pearl
• Hot Glue

Step 1: Fill A Bucket of Water

Get a bowl of water to quickly cool the hot glue used in assembly and lock the hooks in place. If I’m making alot, I get a 5gallon paint bucket so I can easily throw them in water as I crank them out

Step 2: Pull Pegs from the Floats

The floats I linked all come with black plastic pegs. Pull them all out so you can easily assemble.

Step 3: Position the Kahle Hook in the Float

Pust the shank of the hook all the way to the top of the float. Only leave enough room to get your line threaded.

Step 4: Wedge the Hook Shank with a Glass Bead

Using the glass bead, wedge the hook shank in place by pushing the bead into the float opening.

Step 5: Glue in Place

Place a dab of hot glue on both the front and back of the float to lock it in place.

Step 6: Cool In the Bucket

Throw the hook in the bucket of water to set the hot glue

Tip: Make A Bunch
If the pompano catch is on or the surf is rough, there is a tendency for the float to get pushed down the hook. Make a bunch and repair them when you get home

Conclusion

I’ve had more luck with these float hooks on a double-dropper rig then any other hook setup. Enjoy and tight lines!