DIY: Catch More Pompano Making Your Own Float Hooks

DIY Pompano 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. This technique is designed to create a hook that floats your bait off the bottom while mimicking a sand flea—a favorite snack for pompano.

Materials Needed

• Hooks: Mustad 37160S-SS 2/0 Kahle/Croaker Hooks

• Floats: Comal Tackle Peg Float (Non-Slotted)

• Beads: 5MM Round Plastic Beads (Orange Pearl)

• Tools: Hot glue gun and a bucket of water.

Step 1: Prep Your Cooling Station

Fill a bucket or large bowl with water. Hot glue can take a while to set, and dropping the finished hooks directly into the water allows the glue to cure instantly so you can crank them out quickly. [00:01:03]

Step 2: Remove the Pegs

Most peg floats come with black plastic inserts. Pull these out and set them aside; you won't need them for this build. [00:00:25]

Step 3: Position the Hook

Thread the eye of the Kahle hook through the float. Push the shank all the way to the top of the float, leaving just enough of the eye exposed to thread your fishing line later. [00:00:30]

Step 4: Wedge with a Bead

Take an orange pearl bead and wedge it into the float opening right below the eye of the hook. This bead mimics the "egg sack" of a sand flea and provides the initial mechanical lock to keep the hook from sliding. [00:00:34]

Step 5: Seal and Lock with Glue

1. Apply a dab of hot glue over the bead and touch a bit onto the eye of the hook to stabilize it. [00:00:46]

2. Flip the float over and fill the entire back cavity with hot glue. This is where most of the support comes from, locking the shank firmly in place. [00:01:35]

Step 6: Set the Glue

Immediately drop the hook into your water bucket to set the glue. [00:01:48]

• Tip: If the surf is rough, these floats can sometimes get pushed down the hook. I always make a bunch at once and simply bring the "broken" ones home to repair for the next trip. [00:01:42]

Rigging the Hooks

I run these on a hand-tied double-dropper rig using 20lb monofilament or fluorocarbon.

• To attach, simply pinch the dropper loop, thread it through the eye of the hook, slide the loop over the point, and cinch it down. [00:02:02]

• This setup is minimal, lacks the heavy metal hardware found in store-bought rigs, and is incredibly effective when tipped with a bit of Fishbites. [00:02:44]

Conclusion

I’ve had more luck with these float hooks on a double-dropper rig than any other hook setup. They stay clear in the water and put the bait exactly where the pompano are looking. Enjoy and tight lines!