Sheepshead are a popular species to target. They’re fun to catch and are tasty too. If you’re fishing for Sheepshead, be sure to go when they’re biting. Today we’ll talk about the best time to catch Sheepshead.
What are sheepshead?
Sheepshead are broad-bodied, flat fish commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a small fish that normally grows to 10 to 20 inches. Some of them can grow up to 35 inches. Its human-like teeth distinguish it from other fishes. In addition, Sheepshead has a delicious sweet taste resembling the taste of shellfish that urges the fishermen to catch it. In this post, we’ll share the best time to catch sheepshead and peak times to catch them during the day and the year.
What is the best time of day to catch Sheepshead?
The Best time of day to catch Sheepshead depends on the tides. High tide is considered best to catch Sheepshead as the water level rises around surfaces such as piers and docks. At high tide Sheepshead will gather to eat crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans. An incoming tide can also be productive while catching Sheepshead, especially around jetties and in the surf. The success rate to catch Sheepshead is least during the low tides as they move to deeper waters.
The best time of the year to catch Sheepshead
The Best time of year to catch Sheepshead is the cool early spring months when they come in the shallow coastal water around docks, bridges, or any surfaces where food and shelter are available. Here they eat crabs, mussels, barnacles, and tiny shrimps. You can catch them using fresh crabs and shrimps as bait.
The second-best time for sheepshead fishing is during the fall season. It is when they return to the coast of the sea to feed on small creatures around surfaces. Spring season also brings a bountiful supply of sheepsheads; however, they move into the deeper waters. You can look for them in places with underwater structures.
Tips for catching Sheepshead
- Use live bait when possible. Check out the 5 best live baits for catching Sheepshead.
- Pay close attention to your line, as Sheepshead will usually give the bait a light pull at first.
- Consider using one of the 7 Best Rigs for Sheepshead
Good luck and happy fishing!
Hello! My name is Tim and I’ve been fishing for over 30 years. I’ve learned a lot about fishing during that time and I love sharing that knowledge with others. I’m also a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Thanks for checking out the site!