How to catch Sheepshead – Pro Tips!
This article is will thoroughly cover how to catch sheepshead. Sheepshead are a very popular structure-dwelling species. They fight hard on light tackle and are very good to eat, though they are difficult to clean.
Sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, are a member of the porgy family. They feed primarily on crustaceans. Sheephead are almost always found near structure, usually on the bottom. They range from Texas to New York. Sheepshead average two to five pounds.
I run fishing charters in Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida. I target many different species throughout the year. However, in the cooler months sheepshead are highly sought after species. They pull hard and are a great fish for kids and novice anglers, as they are usually cooperative and not overly challenging.
How to catch sheepshead
Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans. These include shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams, and more. While sheepshead will occasionally take an artificial lure, the vast majority are caught by anglers using bait.
In most cases, basic bottom fishing rigs and techniques work fine when fishing for sheepshead. A live shrimp or fiddler crab fished on the bottom near structure will fool sheepshead if they are in the area. They can be found in very shallow water as well as on offshore structure.
Best sheepshead fishing tackle
Sheepshead fishing does not require special tackle, far from it. The same spinning tackle used for other inshore saltwater applications will work fine. I like a 7′ medium action rod with a fast action (strong butt, sensitive tip) matched with a 2500 or 3000 series reel. 20 pound braided line is a great choice as it is sensitive and strong. 14 pound monofilament can be used as well.
Terminal tackle is pretty basic as well. Many anglers have gone to circle hooks, with 3/0 being a good all round size. I use them, along with a #1/0 short shank Mustad live bait hook. Some anglers have better luck with an old school “J” hook.
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Egg sinkers in weights from ¼ to 2 ounces will cover most sheepshead fishing situations. Bank sinkers can be used with multiple hook bottom rigs. Split shot are handy when sheepshead are found in shallow water. 30 lb to 40 lb flourocarbon leader completes the sheepshead anglers tackle box.
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Best sheepshead fishing baits
As mentioned several times already, sheepshead feed on crustaceans. Devoted anglers have their favorite (and sometimes secret) baits. Baits also vary by geographical region, with different areas having their regional favorite sheepshead baits.
I fish with shrimp almost exclusively when trying to catch sheepshead. Shrimp are readily available and sheepshead love them. Live and frozen shrimp work well. When the bite is on, frozen shrimp are more convenient and cost effective. As an added bonus, shrimp produce a variety of other bottom fish as well. I usually thread the shrimp on, hiding the hook. Larger shrimp can be torn in half. There are times the fish want a lively shrimp; in that case I hook them under the horn.
Fiddler crabs are another very popular and effective sheepshead bait. Some shops sell them, but in most cases anglers will have to catch their own. The same goes for sand fleas (mole crabs) and oyster crabs. They are fine baits, but as busy as I am, I stick with shrimp. Razor clams are effective along the Atlantic coast.
Best bottom rigs for sheepshead fishing
There are several bottom rigs that anglers can use when fishing for sheepshead. The standard Carolina or sliding sinker rig is an excellent all round rig. The line goes through the sinker, followed by a swivel and then the leader and hook. This allows the line to slide through the sinker and the sheepshead will fell no resistance.
The multiple hook high low rig or chicken rig is another good rig. It works best when vertically fishing in deeper water, usually from a boat. Surf casters use it as well. A simple jig head can be used as well, combining the hook and weight in one handy unit. In shallow water, a hook with a couple split shot works great.
The rig that I use most often when sheepshead fishing is the “knocker rig”. It is similar to the sliding sinker rig, except that the sinker rides right on the eye of the hook. This does not scare the fish, I promise! It results and less snags and is vert easy to re-rig.
Sheepshead fishing techniques
Sheepshead are notorious for being bait-stealers that are difficult to hook. This is true to some degree, but I have found a technique that works well with both circle hooks and “J” hooks. The key is to not set the hook, but instead just reel steadily while raising the rod tip.
The baited hook is dropped down or cast out and allowed to settle. The angler reels up the slack and has the rod tip low, near the surface. When a sheepshead nibbles, the angler will feel a “tap” or series of “taps”. It is crucial to not move the bait at all while this occurs! I can’t stress that enough!
At some point, the sheepshead will move off with the bait and the angler will feel a steady pull. At this point, the angler reels fast and slowly raises the rod. If after a series of taps nothing more is felt, the sheepshead probably stole the bait. That is going to happen, no matter how skilled the angler is.
Boat positioning is crucial
One of the most important aspects of sheepshead fishing is boat positioning and bait placement. Often times, the bait will need to be right on the structure. Sheepshead will move a bit when active, but the tighter to the structure the bait is placed, the more bites the angler will get.
The structure to be fished should be approached from the up-tide side. The bait will then float back naturally with the current. The scent will also pull fish towards the bait. In deeper water, anglers can fish close to or right on top of the structure. In shallow water when fishing docks and bars, it is best to anchor a cast away.
Chumming for sheepshead
Chumming is a very effective technique that anglers can use when sheepshead fishing. This can be as simple as dicing up a few shrimp and tossing them in the area. Serious anglers use chum bags with crushed clams. Scraping barnacles off of bridge pilings will draw in fish, where legal. Chumming is best when the current flow is mild, strong currents will carry the chum off and actually disperse the fish.
Top sheepshead locations
Sheepshead can be found near just about any type of structure. This includes docks, bridges, jetties, rock piles wrecks, reefs, and oyster bars. Sheepshead will feed on the barnacles and crabs that these structures attract. Seldom will sheepshead be found in open water or sandy bottom spots.
Sheepshead school up in large numbers when they spawn. In my area on the west coast of Florida, this occurs February and March. Further north, the run will be a bit later. Sheepshead are almost easy to catch during this time as they are thick on many structures. Inlets and passes and nearshore reefs and wrecks are top spots during this time.
Oyster bare are terrific spots to catch sheepshead and often go overlooked. It is also fun catching them in shallow water with light tackle. A hook and a split shot or two is all that is needed. Anglers should make a long cast. A little bit of chumming can really go a long way as well. Redfish and black drum will be caught using this technique, too.
Sheepshead are terrific to eat
One aspect of sheepshead fishing that appeals to many anglers is that they are very good to eat. The meat is firm and white and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Sheepshead are difficult to clean, the bones are firm and the tips of the dorsal fin will poke the knuckles. The meat is great fresh, but freezes well as it is quite lean.
Sheepshead are terrific blackened, fried, baked, broiled, or grilled. It also makes great chowder as it is quite firm in texture. As with all fishing, anglers should be responsible in their harvesting, keep enough for a meal or two and release the rest.
In conclusion, this article on how to catch sheepshead will help anglers catch more of these tasty saltwater panfish!
