Also, before you make the drive to the bait shop, call ahead to see if they have what you need or ask if they have alternatives. The Bite. Alertness is essential, for the fish is an adept bait stealer. Great cleaning idea. It’s a fine line that must be learned. … Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait to catch sheepshead. Make certain you remove any dark red bloodline, so as to improve the taste. Find out which bait, lures, rod, reel, and best areas to catch SHEEPIES now. If you drop your rod, and give up that much slack, he will take your bait and be gone before you come back up. Never targeted them before and have been thinking about doing so. Has anyone fished on the Steinhatchee reef? You can also simply scrape them off bridge piles and allow them to sink and attract sheepshead. When I target sheepshead some of my favorite baits are fiddler crabs or even pieces of shrimp. Who in the world ever thought to name a fish after a sheep? How You Can Catch More Inshore Slams In Just 3 Hours Guaranteed! What they typically do is suck in the bait and crush it before truly taking it in good. Fish your live shrimp on a single long-shank hook about three feet under the water under a large round fishing float. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, of course, which I have listed below. Go with the lightest weights that you can get away with. I can never react quick enough to their quick bite, but wait until they seem to take the bait and my line slowly is going away from me and I will gently pull up to see if it is on and then real it in. Anglers can catch them offshore, inshore, and from fishing piers. The spear-fishing record is 40 pounds, 7 ounces. Fiddler crabs are one of the hardiest sheepshead baits and they stay on the hook the best. Bait close to structure, Bait: oysters, barnacles, clams, shrimp, sand fleas, Larger ones are staying in colder, deeper water, Smaller hooks, smaller bait pieces due to small mouths, Offshore around structure and artificial reefs in the summer, Nearshore around structure such as rocks, marker posts, debris from Nov – Feb, Inshore around piers, docks, posts, sunken structure, seawalls, and bridges in the cooler months, As soon as the water begins to cool, usually from November to late February, you’ll see sheepshead migrate inshore, When the tide begins to move, they will feed more consistently, Light spinning or bait casting tackle preferred, # 1.0 circle hook (go small on the hook – many anglers love the #1 Octopus hook by Gamakatsu), Enough weight to keep the bait near the structure, Carolina rig with a short 6-7-inch leader, Pay attention to small taps. Keep line tight to feel small taps. Don’t let that frustrate you, since that’s just part of it when you go after “Convicts”, as they are master thieves. Because there are lots of oysters about, I don’t like to cast out where I can get snagged, so I just drop straight down from my boat. The mouth is full of massive, protruding teeth that … Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip, Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area, Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else. Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip, https://www.skylinejigs.com/product/skyline-sheepshead-jigs/. Awesome Info! This will keep the crab alive for a while, which is preferred. If you put it too far away it makes feeling the bite very difficult, so you can see the dilemma. It’s flavor even allows it to be successfully substituted for crab meat in recipes. Terminal tackle for sheepshead. This post shows a unique casting technique that will help you get more distance and more accuracy with less effort. Many anglers keep a straightened hoe, shovel, or similar long handle tool in their boats to knock off small pieces to fire up the sheepshead bite. If you’re looking for sheepshead they can be found inshore, in coastal creeks, rivers, bays, and lagoons. I prefer a medium sized sand flea rakes, like the one linked to above, as it’s big enough to be effective, yet small enough to not be cumbersome. It’s a fish that lends itself to being cooked all sorts of ways, with my favorites being blackened or fried. The main technique is to drop your bait to the desired depth, and then keep tension on the line. Sheepshead fish are in the family Archosargus probatocephalus. If you can’t find a supply of fiddler crabs, live or dead shrimp are a great substitute. Sheepshead is a special fish type from the porgy family. They usually stay very close to these structures and can be seen in clear water circling the supports, randomly chewing off and crushing oysters or barnacles with their mighty teeth. Try one month for $1. Create memories that matter through fishing, Email: fish@saltstrong.comToll-free: (855)888-6494130 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880. It’s often a problem that the shrimp available in the bait shops are too big. Crabs such as fiddler crabs are usually the most effective bait choice when it comes to fishing sheepshead. Other good options are any type of crustacean of similar size. If you will be fishing primarily around docks and bridges, you might want to go with a medium-heavy. Once you are past the structure,  reel in and repeat the process over and over. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it generally places the bait down near the bottom where most of the sheepshead hang out. You have several options for your main line and they all can work well. If there is moving water around the pylon, you want to be on the down current side. If you do this,  make sure you keep the slack out of your line the best you can so you can detect the bite. If you like this article, you might like some of my other “how to” articles:  How To Catch Pompano, How To Catch Whiting and How To Catch Spanish Mackerel. I hate fishing. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Catch Sheepshead Step 1: Casting Down. When setting the hook, don’t set it right away or you will many times yank the hook out of his mouth. When using shrimp, the smaller the better, and live shrimp are much preferred over dead when you are trying to catch sheepshead. Sheepshead fish are in the family Archosargus probatocephalus. Sign me up! Before keeping your sheepshead, check the size and number limit for your area. Barnacles on the other hand do not have size limits or specified bag limits, which means that you can harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational saltwater fishing license and you can use them to chum sheepshead. They can be found several miles offshore as well as under docks in as little as three feet of water. If you have moving water, cast your bait up current and allow it to slowly drift and fall over the submerged structure. To hook a fiddler crab, use a #1 or 1/0 bait hook and hook the crab going in from underneath on one side or the other and come out the hard shell on top. In fact, at times, they can be quite finicky about which baits they will take. Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land). Where To Catch Near hard substrate such as jetties, rock piles and reefs. A sheepshead is a saltwater fish that has healthy teeth both in its upper and lower jaws. Sheepshead Fish | How to Catch. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it generally places the bait down near the bottom where most of the sheepshead hang out. Sheepshead are winter fishing fun, they are plentiful, reasonably easy to catch and are excellent table fare. When fishing a Jetty from shore, a good tactic is to cast up-current and allow your bait to drift and fall over the submerged rocks. These are all good baits for sheepshead as well. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Most sheepshead have human like teeth, and an odd shaped mouth, therefore, the best hook I have found is a #1 straight shank hook with a small split shot about 6 inches above the hook. Depending where you are fishing, this may or may not work as you may or may not be able to reach the depth they are holding that day. Big goats possess incredible power and live in snag-infested, line-slicing habitats — what I like to call This will help prevent as many hangups. Midwinter tips for catching a limit of good-eating panfish. This makes for quite a challenging fish to catch, which is partly what makes them so fun to target. Techniques to Catch Sheepshead. How to catch Sheepshead While tied off or fishing from anchor, lower the baited hook to bottom. An added bonus when using shrimp as bait is that you have a great chance at also catching redfish mixed in. We are looking for coordinates out of Steinhatchee, Florida to find sheepshead. However, if the shrimp is larger than about 1.5 inches, break it into 2 or more pieces and rig the pieces it a similar way. Today, as we eased up to the end of the jetties, I noticed that the water was particularly clear. Allow the current to move the bait into the strike zone and pay close attention to the line and rod for any indication of a bit. Sheepshead are wary and finicky, especially if you are fishing from a public pier where they receive tremendous pressure. 1. You want to focus on those close to deep water access and the older the dock the better. Want to know what separates those who are catching lots of fish to those who are not having success? Bigger is not better here as you will mostly be catching fish in the 2-5 pound range that have good eyesight. In fact, at times, they can be quite finicky about which baits they will take. I hope this can be of help to the sheepshead fisherman. P.S. This fish with big teeth are also known as bait stealers. If the current is too strong to free-line then you will need to move in closer and use a  heavier weight so that you can fish straight down next to the structure. Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join: P.S. The Youtube video below shows good technique for cleaning a sheepshead. This is because they spread back out and also because of all the other undesirable species moving in to share the same structure. Sheepshead make for a good firm white filet that tastes great. If you can find shrimp 1.5 inches long then use the whole shrimp and run the hook through it’s tail and out the underside of the body, thereby burying the shank of the hook. Often you will hear anglers refer to them as convict fish, sheeps, sheephead, sheepshead seabream, and southern sheeps. Let’s talk about some of the best types of structure where sheepshead can be found. If your crabs are small, it’s OK to put more than one on the same hook. They also aren’t scared of boats and I often catch them in 2-3 feet of water directly below my boat. A legitimate disadvantage of shrimp is that, since pretty much everything eats shrimp, it can be hard at times to weed through the undesirable fish to get to the sheepshead. You can expect to have some hangups and lost tackle with this method. These teeth are one of the distinguishing characteristics between them and Black Drum, the only species they could likely be confused with. However, as summer nears, they will become more difficult to target. Below are some widely known sheepshead haunts to give you an idea what to look for in your area. Here is a good video explaining how to locate and catch them. The price of fiddlers are going to vary depending on where you buy and exactly when you buy. You can catch them year round in most gulf coast areas, but you won’t find them as stacked up and eager to feed as you do during these springtime months. Juveniles resemble Sheepshead in their coloration and general shape. So in order to get these fish from hook to table, anglers must consider four things: Sheepshead spend most of the year out in the deeper, cooler water. Reel selection is not as important with sheepshead fishing. Often you will hear anglers refer to them as convict fish, sheeps, sheephead, sheepshead seabream, and southern sheeps. They’re great fun for adults and children alike. lures sitting in a scent tub. Where to catch Sheepshead. As already discussed, a sensitive graphite rod, paired with braid, will help with light bites, as does being diligent with keeping slack out of the line. If I were to try to sum up a foolproof way on how to catch sheepshead, it would be the following. Your Instructor. Sheepies congregate around pilings on the bottom. Don’t be alarmed at the pearly white chompers these fish use to crush their bait, but if you like your fingers, keep them away from those teeth! Hook selection is crucial when it comes to catching these fish. Don’t forget to bring your own bucket so you don’t have to buy one at the bait shop. I tried to list most of the commonly used bait options below. When the water is moving, be sure to fish behind the structure in the eddies that get created. The Sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus. Many anglers target them from bridges and piers, but one of the best areas to fish for sheepshead is the jetties. Subscribe to continue reading. Thanks. Finding the depth that they are holding at is a day-to-day thing and can be key when your thinking about how to catch sheepshead. So you want to steer away from really heavy line. Timing could not have been better. A stud sheepshead will get over 10 pounds, so if you are fishing around vertical structure such as bridge pilings you might want something with some decent drag to get the fish out before he wraps you up. Sign up for FREE to receive the latest saltwater fishing videos, tutorials, product reviews, and fishing product discounts! Sheepshead Fishing Tips. Sheepshead are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia south through the Gulf of Mexico. The difference between the two records says a lot about how tough it is to land these fish with a rod and reel. When searching for sheepshead, it is more productive to focus your efforts in or near water 10 feet or deeper. Sheepshead is a sought-after inshore species of fish in Florida and surrounding areas. Pound for pound they are powerful fighters reminiscent of a giant bluegill, but,they don’t always share the willing appetite of a bluegill. Tie your leader to the mainline with a double uni knot, and if using clamp on weights, put it right below the knot. Bridge supports (and old railroad trestles like the one above). Vertical bands stand out against a dull white, gray or yellowish background. It is really easy to catch fleas once you locate a colony along the waters edge. With this being said, here’s a few tackle tips to increase your odds when it comes to sheepshead fishing! Just remember, Google Maps and Google Earth are your friends. You can catch your own crabs to hook … If you plan ahead, you can also bring crushed up bits of crabs or shrimp and toss it in the water periodically. My catch % seems to go up. It is easy to confuse the sheepshead with black drum as both have the Black and White bars. I always use these jig heads https://www.skylinejigs.com/product/skyline-sheepshead-jigs/ They have the strongest hooks. Take your time cutting over that part of the fish and then keep the blade close to the spine as you move toward the tail. As the Twitter post above says, “nature is scary”. Sheepshead are distinctive looking fish that live in marine waters on the east coast. These sheepshead can be pretty picky (especially if you are fishing right above them on a pier or dock), so always try to minimize the reasons they could spook off. Sheepshead are winter fishing fun, they are plentiful, reasonably easy to catch and are excellent table fare. Just but be very careful not to let your vessel be swept up onto the jetty rocks. I tend to catch them when I’m more patient. But don’t wait too long or he will chew the bait off and spit the hook. Shrimp? Possibly our personal favorite fish to eat. Pa-POW! Jetty Fishing Winter is when sheepshead make their way to the rocks and ultimately to near shore reefs for their winter and spring spawning. At certain times of the year they are plentiful along the edge of the surf. That is a good size to get a pretty nice filet. That, and the fact that they are so tasty! It is easy to confuse the sheepshead with black drum as both have the Black and White bars. Additionally, many fishermen love to hunt this fish as it’s thick and has a lot of meat at the same time. I personally prefer braid for it’s added sensitivity, but mono and flouro certainly have their merits as well. But, don’t go too strong or you miss out on some of the sporting fun. Sheepshead spots are not kept so secret as spots for other species. In December of 2014, these two brothers shocked their clients, friends, and family by quitting their 6-figure jobs to start their dream focused on helping saltwater anglers: 2. A cheat sheet and catch card would be great for all of the species. Sheepshead are delicate feeders and notorious bait stealers. If you don’t get bites within 10 minutes you need to move because you aren’t in a good spot. If you can catch or buy live shrimp, the spring is a great time to use them to fish for sheephead in the Vilano Beach area. Rather than purchasing fiddlers,  you could instead try to catch your own, if you have the time and ambition to do so. Also, do yourself a favor and carefully pull those lips back, and check out the gnarley teeth, as they are truly something to behold. Drive your boat, or kayak, up next to the pilings and crush some barnacles into the water. Keep your line tight and lightly check your bait with a very slight pull. If the tackle shop has them, that is definitely what you want to get. Most chefs would describe sheepshead as having a delicious shellfish flavor with the meat being firm, moist and oily. Just use a sand flea rake and scoop them out of the swash zone after you have identified a stretch of beach holding them. Now, go capture yourself some “convicts”! Once they’re out of the water, they’re nice on the dinner table too. Sheepshead Recipe Melt one and a half tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. I always say the boat closest to the rocks will catch the most Sheepshead. Just break them open and thread them onto the hook as best you can. When hooked, sheepshead are clever at wrapping line around the structure causing you to use a few choice words while you spend more time rigging than fishing. Thank you, Tom Watts, Naples, Fl. This Sarasota Bay fishing report reveals 3 essential lessons all inshore anglers need to know in order to consistently catch fish throughout the seasons. NO. 3. YES! I hate fishing. legal information – contact me – privacy policy, but it’s not unusual for them to get over 10 pounds, with the. I would say a medium power rod in the 6 to 7 foot range is a great balance between being sporting, yet strong enough to pull them away from structure. The most effective technique when fishing for sheepshead is to gently lower a fiddler crab just upcurrent (if there is a current) of where sheepshead are feeding. Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier (Florida Panhandle), Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (Florida Panhandle). All you need is a heavy chunk of rock or a hammer to break them out of their shells. Their main hangouts include hard, jagged, line-cutting structures which makes it all the more difficult to land one after you get it hooked. NO. You do need to use a heavy enough weight to keep the bait really close to the structure, but no more than necessary. a dock) has actually been there. One of the best is to simply crush barnacles off any bridge pilings you may be fishing beside. Older, more dilapidated docks are going to have more oysters and barnacles, which in turn means more sheepshead. Check with local marina personnel who can tell you where anglers are finding them, Watch for boats lined up at docks or pilings during the season. Make no mistake about it, these wily fish can suck the bait right off the hook leaving the angler fishing on credit. but they are easier to steal off the hook so they are not as good as crabs or shrimp. Remember, their black and white prisoner-like coloring should remind you that they are one of the best bait stealers out there. Most bites from Sheepshead are very subtle. Run your hook through them 2 or 3 times and try to completely cover your hook. And now you know why, during the winter months, all those anglers are lined up right next to the dock posts, trestles, and other structures. There are too many crab options to bother listing them all. Leave the tail connected to the filet and cut at about a forty-five-degree angle, letting the blade move along the skin to keep all of the meat. So, let’s try to keep it that way, by only taking as much as we need. I have never personally used hermit crabs as bait, but I understand that they are a great bait to use to catch sheepshead. Below are some great piers to visit for a fun day over the water. Do this in March and April, and you will surely find success in short order. How to Catch Sheepshead The same slack tide that makes for lousy inside fishing would make for ideal sheepshead fishing at these structures. You can also use a carolina rig, with a swivel connecting your leader to your main line, with the weight above the swivel. Another option is to use a cork, and suspend your bait above the rocks at whichever depth you find to be most productive that day. So, as hard as it is, give it just a split second after you feel the initial bite. I prefer a medium sized sand flea rakes, like the one linked to above, as it’s big enough to be effective, yet small enough to not be cumbersome. Once you hook a sheepshead, keep your rod tip up and try not to allow it to take out enough line to wrap you up. Also, beware that oysters can have regulations and seasons applied to them so they may not be legal to collect from the wild in your area during certain times. It’s important that it be small, yet very strong. When fishing for Sheepshead I will usually start fishing at the bottom of the water column and work my way up until I start catching fish. 5. Understanding the reason behind this will lead us to a safe bet on what their favorite food are – bivalves and crustaceans! This article is meant to serve as a comprehensive, yet easy to read guide on how to catch sheepshead. Old-timers who’ve been catching these tasty fish for years will offer this advice: break off the shrimp’s head, thread the hook through the tail, hiding the hook, and use a fairly short leader. Course Overview. So, graphite is a far better option than fiberglass. Any submerged and hidden structures, out of reach from land, are going to be great places to target for boat anglers. If I were to throw out a ballpark price I’d save they should be about $4 a dozen. Nevertheless, these are great, accessible places to catch sheepshead. Join the Salt Strong Insider Club. If you think about it,  they eat barnacles off of concrete pilings all day, so a thin hook is no match for their powerful bite. On the right piece of structure you can stumble upon great concentrations of larger sheepshead that have not been picked over by the swarms of shore anglers. When in doubt, go smaller on the hooks. On the other hand, the meat of sheepshead is delicious and has a natural taste. One of the most natural fish to spot in the ocean is the sheepshead. How To Eat Although sheepshead are difficult to clean, the flesh is excellent. The spear-fishing record is 40 pounds, 7 ounces. The old tongue in cheek saying is; in order to hook a sheepshead, you have to set the hook just before they bite. Sheepshead have small but powerful mouths full of human-like teeth which they use to eat barnacles right off the side of any hard structures such as bridge pilings and piers. The fish move up and down the pylons to feed on the attached barnacles. The easy way to tell the two apart is by the mouth, sheepshead have teeth that look like molars and black drum have gums with very rough sandpaper and no real teeth. There are tons of rods that will work well for catching sheepshead, but the best rods are going to be sensitive and have a fast action so that you can feel bites better. 4. If you want more in-depth information and on-the-water footage about catching sheepshead, check out our sheepshead mini-course (note: this is for Insiders only). Today, sheepshead are no longer considered consolation fish. 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