Where: Offshore / Surf / Inshore / Rivers And Streams
Size: Most common at under a pound to 4 pounds. Large fish range from 5-7 pounds with the occasional lunker topping 10 pounds.
Fight: Not a hard striker but a good pull. The lighter the tackle the better the fight.
Deliciousness: Excellent
Range: Both Coasts
Technique: Still Fishing / Casting
Baits: Shrimp / Baitfish / Crab / Lure
Tackle: Spinning / Baitcasting
The Sheepshead is characterized by striking vertical dark "bars" along his flank, over a steely bronze or tan body. A small forked tail, with a meaty body and jaws, framed by a compact mouth and lips. He is equiped with serval manacing features, including sharp hard spines along his fins and large teeth.
These fish are found from well inshore and even up creeks and rivers, all the way out to open water. Most likely around pilings or structure in search of his favorite tasty fare.
Any crab, shrimp or crustacean make for the best natural bait, while jigs make for the best artificial.