Fish

Trachinotus carolinus

S tier

Trachinotus carolinus, the Florida pompano, is the benchmark pompano of US menus—silver with yellow highlights, forked tail, and rich but delicate fillets. It runs the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and is pursued by both commercial nets and recreational anglers. Flesh is white, fine, and self-basting from moderate oil. Cook whole on the grill or as skin-on fillets. Market price tracks seasonal runs. Distinguish from permit (T. falcatus), which is a larger, different sporting jack sometimes confused in casual speech.