Fishing For Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a species that is not well known to many anglers, but they have the potential for some exciting fights. Sheepshead are inshore fish that feed primarily on critters clinging to rock, wrecks or pilings. They have a unique set of buck teeth that are perfectly evolved for picking barnacles and mussels off underwater structure. They also have a second set of crushing plates deeper in their throats to more efficiently consume the hard shelled foods they prefer.

Sheepshead love to hang around bridge pilings, the rocks and sea walls by inlets, jetties, fishing piers and near shore reefs on the beach. The best time to find these fish is during slack tide when they can creep up on the structures and feed without being scared off by a boat.

The bait of choice for sheepshead is fiddler crabs and live shrimp. They also will eat smaller crabs, blue or hermit crabs, mud crabs and clams as well as sand fleas and tube worms. If a fiddler crab is not available try scraping off some of the barnacles from the structure you are targeting and use that as bait.

When using artificial lures a small paddle tail style jig is usually the preferred option. A 3/0 hook and a light weight is often used to keep the bait on the bottom. The key is to keep the rig quiet and to have a tight line. Sheepshead can be subtle biters and if the line goes slack you may miss the bite.

Depending on the area you are fishing, a sand flea or clam pattern can also be effective. Flies that resemble crustaceans, such as the Merkin crab or Raghead crab are also useful in some situations.

It is a good idea to use an appropriately sized weight when fishing for sheepshead, as these fish tend to feed close to the bottom. They also can be finicky biters, so it is important to use a small, sharp hook when fishing for them. An FG knot is a simple and quick way to make an adjustable leader for your sheepshead rig.

Sheepshead are often spooked by the appearance of gear, so it is a good idea to downsize your tackle when fishing for them. For example, using a 10 pound test instead of 20 can make a big difference in hooking up a fish. It is also a good idea to vary your retrieve speed when fishing for sheepshead, as they can be very picky about what type of action the bait or lure is getting. Some days a slow, steady retrieve will work and other times a more erratic motion is required to get their attention. By keeping these tips in mind, you can become more proficient when fishing for this intriguing saltwater species. Good luck on your next trip! Vule is a biologist and writer that has always had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoys camping, fishing and being in nature. He believes the natural world is a beautiful place that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their skill level or experience.