Fishing Spring Sheepshead

Fishing in Tampa Bay and Near Shore Waters

Everything seems to be biting, depending on the tides and, of course, the red tide. Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Mangrove snapper, Sheepshead, later season mackerel, and look for summer trout in deeper channels.

Sheepshead, winter, spring, and summer fishing action can be enjoyable, and they’re great for eating.

Let’s Start With Sheepshead Bait: Finding bait for sheepshead is not complicated; practically any marinedwelling crustacean or bivalve living in saltwater will work. Of course, some baits frequently work better than others. However, I will give you a few clues on what to use for these stripped bait stealers. Fiddler crabs, in my opinion, are one of the top sheepshead baits. I use a lightweight Carolina Rig or Knocker Rig for deeper water, like around bridges, and for anything shallower, I free-line them on a snelled Diachii circle hook.

A close second to fiddlers is the mud crab that most folks never consider. This little crab lives under oysters and rocks and requires a little effort, so yes, you have to get out of the boat and turn over some rocks and oyster clusters.

Therefore, before you head out sheepshead fishing, find some shallow or dry nearshore oysters or rocks and capture a few dozen mud crabs or purchase some fiddlers from your local bait store. My third favorite bait is a ¾ to 1-inch piece of fresh shrimp. But stay away from old and freezer burned. Shrimp are good sheepshead bait and are nearly as effective as fiddlers or mud crabs. And best of all, they are easily acquired from your local bait shop.

Where to Fish: Sheepsheads are usually in the same places year-round. So if you are looking for early morning action, check submerged rock piles, jetties, piers, and structure-laden tidal creeks. Nevertheless, the key to finding sheepshead is looking for structures and habitats usually associated with food. Of course, tides play a significant role in their feeding habits.

In my opinion, fiddler crabs are the number one sheepshead bait. There are three fiddler crab species in Florida within the estuarine shorelines. They are usually found where the sand or mud meets the water. Look for small pennysized holes with crab colonies darting in and out. Fiddler crabs can be captured by hand (quite exciting) or skillfully herded into a bucket on its side using two 2’x4’s to direct them into the bucket.

A close second to fiddlers, and nearly as practical, is ½ a mediumsized shrimp. On some days they are even more effective and are easier to find at your local bait shop. Fresh or frozen, buy live shrimp or freshly frozen and cut into small ½ to 1-inch pieces. Oysters, Mussels, or Clams are part of the sheepshead’s natural bait diet and are usually attached to dock pilings, seawalls, piers, oyster reefs, or shallow sand. The meat gives off an attractive odor to sheepshead and is effectively freshly collected and shucked.

Another good bait, commonly used for pompano, is sand fleas, aka “mole crabs,” which are also an excellent choice for sheepshead. Sand fleas live in the surf zone along most Florida beaches. Often seen swimming back in the water after each wave. Sand flea rakes are sold in tackle shops and used to capture these small crabs. Or simply use your hands to filter the sand as the water and sand retreat after large waves.

Essentially any marine-dwelling crustacean or bivalve you can get your hands on will attract the bite of a sheepshead. Every species has a “preferred” diet, but most are opportunistic predators.

Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay's #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories.

Visit his website, www.captainwoodygore.com

Email: fishing@captainwoodygore.com

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