Anglers targeting very large sheepshead around heavy structure may need to bump up the tackle and use light conventional gear. Many anglers prefer braided line and its increased sensitivity as sheepshead will often times bite very lightly. A 7 foot medium action spinning rod match with a 2500-3000 series reel is perfect. The same inshore fishing tackle used for speckled trout and redfish will work fine when bottom fishing for sheepshead. 2) Sheepshead fishing tackleįortunately, no special tackle is required when targeting sheepshead. Oyster crabs and worms are caught by anglers looking around rocks on a low tide.

However, in most instances these baits must be procured by the angler. Some serious sheepshead anglers prefer fiddler crabs and sand fleas over shrimp. They are available at just about every coastal bait shop. Live shrimp are the most universally used bait for sheepshead.

Shrimp, mole crabs (commonly known as sand fleas), and fiddler crabs are the top baits. In most angling situations, live bait is the best choice. Live and frozen shrimp are the most readily available and thus popular sheepshead baits. Live bait, freshly dead, and frozen baits account for the vast majority of sheepshead that are landed by anglers. Some fish just prefer the “real thing”, and sheepshead are one of those species. In the northern parts of their range, sheepshead will school up and spawn in the summer.Īs mentioned before, very few sheepshead are caught by anglers using artificial lures. Cooler months are generally best as this is when they spawn. However, the greatest concentration is found from North Carolina south and around to Texas. Sheepshead range all along the Gulf Coast and east coast as far north as Canada. It is 23,000 words long and covers tackle, tactics, and species. They are a staple of captains running fishing charters throughout the southeast United States.Īnglers can purchase Capt Jim’s E-book, “ Inshore Saltwater Fishing” for $5 by clicking on the title link. Fishing with live, fresh dead, or frozen baits on the bottom near structure produces the most fish. Very few sheepshead are caught by anglers using artificial lures. They feed almost exclusively on crustaceans. They are found around bridges, jetties, docks, oyster bars, seawalls, and submerged ledges and rocks. Sheepshead are a structure oriented fish.

Hooking sheephead requires a special technique.

Sinker weight is important when sheepshead fishing.

Sheepshead are very good to eat, though they have a large rib cage and are difficult to clean. Once located, anglers can put a lot of fish in the boat in a short amount of time. In the United States, they are found all along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the eastern seaboard up to the mid Atlantic. Sheepshead are a very popular and tasty bottom fish. This article lists the top 15 sheepshead fishing tips. Fishing for Sheepshead Top 15 Sheepshead Fishing Tips – Capt Jim shares