Basic Sheepshead Fishing

Often as those fisherman that are heading out to do battle with flounder, king mackerel, and other popular saltwater species, they see those that are sheepshead fishing along the bridge supports and other such structure. Some know why they are so close to the supports and others head on past and wonder why fishermen would risk damaging their boats in search of sheepshead.

Sheepshead fishing requires only the minimum amount of gear. No large boat is required as with other saltwater fish. The sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) angler often prefers a small Jon-boat in fact. In some cases no boat is required to catch these low-key fish.

Though the equipment used for catching sheepshead is relatively simple, the challenge faced when sheepshead fishing is as great as with any other game fish. Many a fisherman have all but forgotten all other saltwater fish species in favor of sheepshead fishing.

Patience is an important tool a fisherman needs when fishing for sheepshead. There's an art to pulling this fish from pilings, and the boat wakes from boaters that are unaware of what you are doing tend to wash and slam your boat into these pilings.

The first task a shepshead fisherman confronts is the gathering of bait. Mollusks and crustaceans are the dinner fare for sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), and the reason other inshore anglers using different bait in search of other species rarely catch them. Though some fishing with shrimp or squid just might hook one from time to time. Fiddler crabs; found burrowing in the marshes; are the most used bait when sheepshead fishing. Fiddler crabs are about an inch long and the males have and oversized claw it uses to attract the ladies with.

It's easier to catch these little buggers during low tide, as they will gather at the water's edge where a casting net can easily be tossed over them, or if you want to have some fun, try chasing and catching them by hand. Fiddler crabs do pinch though, but rarely enough to harm you. It takes quite a few to last through a day of sheepshead fishing, so many anglers catch them ahead of time and freeze them.

Aside from Fiddlers, all other crab species make fine sheepshead bait. But check the crabbing regulations, some species of crab are protected and can not be gathered and used for sheepshead bait. Clams are good bait, but there are harvest restrictions, though if you can find a seafood market that sells the big chowder clams, then you can buy all you want to use while sheepshead fishing. Bang two clams together to open the shell then cut the foot into two pieces. Then the rest of the clam is separated. This will give you three baits. However, other fish are attracted to clams besides sheepshead. Many sheepshead anglers avoid these bait stealing fish by fishing them during fast moving tidal changes.

You can also scrap barnacles off of pilings and other structures and use the soft innards for bait when sheepshead fishing. However, the fiddler crab is the favorite of most who endeavor to fish for sheepshead.

As mentioned earlier, a fisherman does not really need a boat for sheepshead fishing. Often a sheepshead fisherman can have fine success from a pier. And some lucky enough to have access to a private docks and marinas enjoy a bit of luck as well. Any series of pilings hold potential for sheepshead fishing. Though it is best for the sheepshead angler to fish many docks and pilings as each are different in the amount of sheepshead they attract. And I recommend getting to the pay piers early to claim your spot.

From boats; sheepshead fishing can be done by finding pilings, bridge supports, and other such structures that are covered with shells or have shell-covered bottoms. These structures that are along the edges of navigation channels are great spots for sheepshead fishing. You can't see the sheepshead from the surface, but when you find them, you'll likely be fishing where there is less fishing pressure from others that might be sheepshead fishing.

During low tide, many anglers scrape the barnacles off the pilings, then fish these spots when the tide returns. This creates a chum by dislodging crabs and exposing the soft innards of the barnacles. You can also chum for sheepshead with the fiddler crabs that will inevitably die after being caught. Even the ones that have deteriorated can be tossed under docks and around the piling when sheepshead fishing to attract the fish. You can also toss them out from the structure a bit to ease pulling in a hooked fish.

Strikes when sheepshead fishing are subtle, so most sheepshead fishermen will tell you to set the hook before you feel the strike. Smaller sheepshead will nibble the bait off the hook using it's sheep-like teeth, and never be felt by the fisherman. The larger fish will take off with the bait like all other fish.

You can use superbraided line when sheepshead fishing, but a lot of anglers still use monofilament because it holds up better under the pressure of being tugged on shells when a sheepshead is hooked. Often, sheepshead fishermen keep the drag tight in order to horse the larger sheepshead away from the structure, because the larger fish are strong enough to snap or break lines against shells and barnacles while on the run.

Use a strong #2 steel hook, or no lighter than a #1 due to the sheepshead ability to bite through a wire hook. Tie the hook directly to the line on a dropper loop and with a sinker tied about a foot from the hook. You can also use a Carolina rig when fishing the bottom. Thread the line through an egg sinker and tie to a swivel. Attach a leader with a #1 or #2 steel hook below the sinker. You'll also need a sensitive rod when sheepshead fishing, or hold the line between the index finger and thumb.

Bumpers or floatation cushions can be used to help keep the boat from making contact when the tide or wake from other boaters pushes it into the pilings. Often when sheepshead fishing I tend to use one hand to try and keep the boat from hitting the structure and the other hand to hold the fishing rod. I keep a glove on the hand I'm tying to keep the boat from knocking into the pilings with to avoid splinters and cuts. And I pay close attention to my fishing line while sheepshead fishing in order to detect any noticeable twitching that will lead to setting the hook and landing a sheepshead.

It's the small battle to yank the fish from the structure that, (pardon the pun) gets anglers hooked on sheepshead fishing. That short fight shoots adrenaline through the body of a fisherman, and a rush of excitement takes hold. In the end you've either pulled a sheepshead from the structure or you lose it. Don't let the name fool you, sheepshead fishing provides a fight that rivals any game fishing experience.