Alright, let’s talk about all things Sheepshead Fishing. Catching Sheepshead can be very challenging and frustrating at times. However, I am going to go over some of the things I have learned and used that have helped me succeed. This is a complete guide to fishing for sheepshead with everything you must do in order to successfully target sheepshead and catch them.
Sheepshead Fishing Equipment:
What you use when fishing for sheepshead is very important. Just about everything can have an impact, so be picky about what you’re fishing with. Here’s what I recommend.
Rods To Catch Sheepshead:
Rods are pretty important for catching sheepshead. Many times when targeting sheepshead they are in places where you and other sheepshead anglers can get broken off. A lot of the bigger fish, or sheepshead that have been previously caught attempt to take your line back around the underwater structure you are fishing.
When I target sheepshead I prefer a medium to medium light rod. It is very important when sheepshead fishing that you see the bite. Having a sensitive rod tip is key. Here are some rods I recommend for sheepshead fishing.
- Starrod– I have a few Starrods and usually come with a lifetime warranty
- Toadfish Rod and Reel Combo – I am currently using the Toadfish Medium Lite paired with a Stradic 2500.
- Abu Garcia – This is a cheap set up that is really durable.
Reels For Sheepshead Inshore Fishing:
Reels are important when fishing for sheepshead. However, it is more important to fish with what is comfortable for you. When choosing a reel, there is not a specific sheepshead reel, instead, find a reel that you can use for inshore fishing in general. I am sure that it will be able to handle Sheepshead.
I have a Shimano Stradic 2500 that I use for inshore fishing and it works great when fishing for sheepshead. Another way that people fish for them is by using a bass fishing setup. In my opinion, the best way to catch Sheepshead fish is with a bait caster bass set up. Here are some great reels for sheepshead anglers.
- Black Max Abu Garcia – This a great beginner rod and sometimes a combo, very durable and has a good amount of drag
- Shimano Stradic – This is what I use and it has been my favorite reel I have ever had super smooth, a ton of drag and low maintenance
- Diawa Exceller – This is a hardy reel and significantly cheaper than other reels but still made with quality
- Florida Fishing Products – A Florida company that makes great reels and are reasonably priced
What Saltwater Fishing Line To Use:
Using a braided line is very important when fishing for sheepshead. Braided line cuts through the water better than mono-filament and fluorocarbon. 15-20lb braided main line is great for fishing for sheepshead in any depth.
Now let’s talk about leader material. Later on, I am going to talk about setups and rigging but for now, from your braided line, you need to have some sort of a leader that is preferably fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is a NON-STRETCH LINE. You do not want the line to stretch when fishing for sheepshead.
I personally run about 4-6 feet of fluorocarbon to either my swivel, sheepshead jigs, or hook. I use 17lb Fluorocarbon, however that is pretty light line. I know that you can probably catch them on 25-30lb FluoroCarbon as well and will have less break offs. In my other post “Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament” I am going to go over there intended uses and what works better in certain styles of fishing.
If you use monofilament there is stretch in the line when setting the hook. Now, you can still get away with it, but the hook-up ratio will be less than if you used fluorocarbon. Here are some lines I recommend when sheepshead fishing.
Fluorocarbon Lines –
- Berkley Fluorocarbon – One of the most underrated Fluorocarbons, super cheap and this is my go to.
- Seaguar Fluorocarbon – Fantastic product as well, sometimes can get expensive
Braided Lines –
- Powerpro Braid – Great Braided line and can get a great price on amazon, last a long time as well
- Diamond Braid – Fantastic Braid, I use this on all of my reels.
Terminal Tackle:
Terminal Tackle is also very important for sheepshead anglers. No, there is not a special tackle or hack that you need in order to catch them. I never want to run straight braid to my hook, always have a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader; preferably fluorocarbon.
There are three different ways to fish for them. The simplest way to fish is using a split shot or multiple split shots, 1/0 or 2/0 live bait hook. I have found that this is the simplest way to fish for sheepshead.
A Carolina Rig is another one of my favorite ways to catch them. Still using your leader I like to put an egg sinker above my swivel then a 4-6 inch leader to my hook. I personally like a very short leader. I think it allows you to feel the bite faster and set the hook quicker.
The final way, which is a newer thing is using sheepshead jigs. I know people who swear by them, and other people not like them. I have used sheepshead jigs before and had some success. However, I believe that sometimes when sheepsheads get finicky they might be shy because of the weight attached to the hook.
Hooks I Recommend:
- Owner SSW Hooks 1/0 – Great hooks and are light wire but pretty durable
- VMC Triple Barb Hooks 1/0 – Great hooks but more of a heavier hook
Sheepshead Bait:
When sheepshead fishing It is all about the bait. Yeah, I am sure you hear that a lot. Luckily, Sheepshead is pretty simple when it comes to picking out bait.
The most common way to target sheepshead is using fiddler crabs. They stay on the hook well and sheepshead love eating them. In the winter months, fiddler crabs can be pretty hard to get. I myself have resorted to using mud crabs. Be careful collecting them, because many of them are juvenile stone crabs and those are illegal to use for bait.
Once you find your mud crabs you might have to cut them in half because they are often too big for the sheepshead to eat whole. However, sheepshead will eat them in half just as well.
Oysters are another great bait. People always ask, “Well Tyler, how do you keep them on the hook?”. The key is to take the fish mesh bag and use a stretchy floss to wrap up the oysters. Thread it on your hook, and get fishing. It is an absolute game-changer. It is a little more work but very successful.
Sand fleas are another great bait when accessible. I have caught them on small live shrimp around docks when fishing in southern Florida.
Finally, if you want to make it more sporting you can catch them on an artificial lure. The best artificial lure I have seen is a ChaseBaits Crab.
Location and Structure For Sheepshead Fishing:
Finding Sheepshead is not that difficult, look for structure in saltwater or brackish waters. Examples of that would be bridge pilings, docks, rocks going into water, signs, and sometimes even channel markers will hold fish. I have found that when fishing for them, if you can get on top of them and fish vertically, it is easier to feel the bites. For fishing in the backcountry, most docks have sheepshead along with oyster bars.
Your location will also determine your by-catch, many times when fishing around bridge pilings and other structures closer to the ocean you can catch mangrove snapper, oyster toadfish, redfish, black drum, and sometimes flounder. In the backcountry, your by-catch will mostly be redfish and black drum.
When fishing for sheepshead in the backcountry low tide is your friend, it exposes oyster bars and the sheepshead will be nearby in a deeper hole. When fishing around bridges and structures in the main river, I like to look for clear water.
The water will not be clear enough to see in most places, however, it should have good visibility. If you are in a place where you can see the sheepshead just know that the sheepshead can see you as well.
It’s very important when sheepshead fishing to make sure you follow all rules in regulations by the state to ensure there will be fish for our future generations. It’s also important to remember the gear can only do so much so make sure you get out there and get fishing. Nothing can beat your own experiences out there!
Frequently Asked Questions:
A lot of people ask, “are sheepshead fish good eating?” and the simple answer is yes. This is probably my favorite inshore fish to eat. There are many ways to cook them and they are very versatile. They are a great fish to serve people who normal do not eat fish.
Sheepshead eat a variety of crustaceans. They do not eat other fish species. Their main diet is mostly barnacles, oysters, crabs, and shrimp.
Sheepshead Fish have a very mild flavor almost like snapper. Their meat is a white meat once cooked. Many times there is a hint of shellfish when eating them because of their diet.
If you enjoyed this post I would really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! If you use these tips and tricks make sure to share it on social media and tag @tylersfishingadventures to be featured. Thank you for supporting Tyler’s Fishing Adventures.
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