5873 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by servo765, Feb 12, 2014 Jump to Latest prelude13 Discussion starter. A size 1/0 circle hook is a good size for a sheepshead, just make sure the brand you choose is strong enough for the job. Anything too big will be hard for them to bite fully. After the first cut is done, you would have to go on for the second cut. Depending on the current, I will vary the size between 1/8 oz to ½ oz. 50Pcs Fishing Hooks 90 Degree Aberdeen Jig Fishing Accessories Fishing Fly Hooks Shank Bent Saltwater Carbon Steel Fish Hook Jig Head Hook(Size 1) 5. Illegal Gear: Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural. I’m just going to generalize the heck out of this section since there are a lot of variables that could affect hook size and type for various species. sizes 2 – 2/0 hook; OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. Sheepshead fishermen prefer to use a long-shafted hook, typically about. Florida has changed their sheepshead rules and regulations in 2018 to better. Hook Size for Sheepshead. Try to use a smaller, thinner hook. ”. Because of their bony mouths and ability to pick bait off a hook with out touching the hook, Sheepshead can be quite difficult to catch. Using hooks that are too large can be too big actually to fit in their mouths. Sizes go well beyond what is shown in these charts! The smallest commercially available hook size is a #32 and the largest is 27/0! Very small hooks used for Microfishing. • Possess fish where the size or species cannot be determined (FGC 5508 and 5509); • Fail to exhibit on demand all licenses, tags, validations, permits, applications or reservation to any peace officer or authorized CDFW employee (FGC 2012); • Fail to exhibit, on demand, all fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles andStep 2: Second Cut. That first day was all the proof I needed to realize the size of some of the Sheepshead that roam the Offshore Reefs in Coastal Georgia. Rig with 20-pound braided line with fluorocarbon leader. SHEEPSHEAD. The world’s biggest sheepshead ever caught weighed in at more than 21-pounds According to the International Game Fish Association, that big fish was caught near New Orleans in 1982. Atlantic Ocean: Recreational and commercial fishers are required to use dehooking devices as needed while fishing for reef fish. I’ve been using a #1 Gamakatsu live bait hook (get it from Amazon here), but the size hook will depend on the size bait you use. What size hook is bigger 4 or 6? The tricky part here is that unlike the ought sizes where the larger the number, the. Size, Age, and Growth of a Sheepshead. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. When saltwater fishing recreationally with hook and line gear on the Gulf of Mexico’s reef, fishing regulations require that you use de-hooking equipment. The smallest hook on a 1oz is a 2/0 hook but if the sheepshead are big ones that shouldn’t be an issue. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. Clean bait injector with soap and water after each use. 8756 Views 36 Replies 16 Participants Last post by tcain24, Jun 29, 2009. The Dropper Loop rig is quick and easy to make on the boat with little preparation or hardware other than hooks and mono, and it can be directly tied to the main line. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. The average size for adults is between 10 and 20 inches in length, and around 3 to 4 pounds in weight. com, and we will place a custom order of octopus hook for you. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. So, if you can obtain them, that’s what you should usually try first. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. Or keep your boots clean by purchasing fiddler crabs at a local tackle shop. Sheepshead are notorious for being able to take their baits without ever getting hooked. One of the best sheepshead lures is sheepshead jigs These football jigs, paired with an octopus hook, is the perfect lure for successfully catching sheepshead. This is a 150-pack fishing hooks product that is perfect for landing reds. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. They can get up past 10 lbs. Anything smaller, and you'll lose a nice fish sooner or later. Fax: 850-488-7152. ) High-Low Rig – Can buy rig already made. Also, make sure you match the hook size to the bait size, not the quarry size. I’ve been using 30 lb mono (get it from Amazon here). This pack includes some of their top lures in miniature size, which makes them ideal when fishing smaller creeks, streams & rivers. Bass: size 5 through 4/0 Catfish: size 2 through 6/0 Bullheads: size 7 through 1 Carp: size 3 through 1 Fishing hooks range in size from #32 (smallest) to 20/0 (largest). I’ll use anything from 8″ up to 18″ sheepshead on 8/0 circle hooks. What size hooks for sheepshead? Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. X-SMALL. Flip the baited hook into this area and allow it to be carried about by the current. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Tautog Jig, Sheepshead Jig, 2 Pack, Standup Style Tog Jig, Ultra Tough Powder Coat Finish with 2X Hook, 1/2-2oz Sizes, Multiple Colors, Made in The USA 4. . Attach the elbows to your poles, cut out holes in the bin, and start catching. My hook is a 1/O Redfishone “live bait short shank”. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. The best hooks for sheepshead fishing should be strong, sharp, and durable. weight 18 inches below them with Shrimp or fiddler crabs and you will dramatically improve the hook-up rate for Sheepshead. Learn the best hook size for sheepshead and mangrove snappers #shorts See more here The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Tips for Catching Sheepshead Within the Size Limit Bait and Lures. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. I like the 2/0 Owner Mosquito hooks when targeting sheepshead. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. When it comes to comparing black drum and sheepshead fish, there’s a noticeable difference in size. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current For bait. Convict fish and black drums will be attracted to sections of huge blue crabs or full fiddler crabs on a hook under a popping cork. Hence, a razor sharp hook would be the best option for this notorious fish. Misak’s jetty rig consists of a 7-foot, 6-inch medium-heavy rod, 3500 Shimano Stradic, 50-pound braid, and 40-pound, 24-inch dropper loop rig. It’s essential to observe fish behavior and adapt your hook size accordingly for optimal success. Flounder hooks. Fishing tips: Sheepshead are difficult to hook because they take the bait fast. Both can hold. “For their size, they truly fight with all they have. Hundreds of hooks for sheepshead fishing are being introduced everyday in the market which are enough to make you confused. . Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. A second fish that somewhat looks like a sheepshead is the Atlantic spadefish. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. The first thing you need to do when rigging up mud crabs is to break off their claws. Salt Strong Fishing. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. You want to use enough weight so your hook just makes contact with the bottom. What type of hook is best for sheepshead? The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. Our local grounds provide a virtual smorgasbord for these fish, with green crabs and other. In most cases, the line should be 10#–15# mono or braided. Hooks. A chunk the size of an adult males thumb tip is perfect size and will lead to many strikes. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. But you’ll also need to set the hook in the most effective manner possible. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. You need a small 1/16 oz. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. Put them on ice immediately, keep just the smaller and medium-size ones and fry them up fresh. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. Many fishermen like to hook their shrimp through the head. For fishing with crankbaits, treble hooks are typically used. Small hooks, small fresh dead shrimp for croakers and whiting; Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. Cobia Fish Finder Rig. weedless jig heads. For jigs, use a short shank style hook with just enough weight to keep your bait down in the current. One of the best methods is with a sheepshead jig On the hook of the sheepshead jig, place a fiddler crab. Lastly, the hookup sheepshead jig mold can be fished with virtually any soft plastic or using natural baits, live dead or cut. Sheepshead must be larger than 12" - measured from the tip. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Sheepshead feed on a variety of small crustaceans. Hook. You’ll also need your choice of. Hooks . Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Above the leader place a swivel and just enough weight to hold its place in the current that is being fished. As far as size goes, the dime to nickel-sized fiddler crabs are best. “They have fairly large ribs and a very large head that take up most of their body. Gigging is usually done at. Live or fresh dead shrimp will catch plenty of sheepshead and is the easiest bait to find at most tackle and bait shops. 16 inches. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. When in doubt, go smaller on the hooks. I have had the most luck with a small treble hook - #10 or #11. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. They are primarily site feeders and will shy away from a hook. 5-3. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. When fishing for Sheepshead I like to use chunks of quartered blue crab. Sheepshead fishing in Florida has become almost a way of life. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. Saltwater flies, scent strips, and other artificial lures can also work. Dubiel’s VMC weighted hooks range from 1⁄16- to ¼-ounce. While sheepshead typically stay under 15 pounds, black drum can reach much larger weights. The best hook size for Sheepshead is a #1 to #2, which is about ½ inch in diameter. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. If the hook point goes anywhere past. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. What size hook should I use for worms? Bass fishing hook sizes range between 1, 1/0 and 2/0. The new library has more than 20,000 square feet, almost twice the size of the old one at the same location. Small, compact, and simple to use (no need to tie a complicated rig) They sit balanced on the bottom with the hook point up, so your bait will be facing up and your. 75 posts · Joined 2011. Tsunami Carbon Shield II Spinning Rods are designed with Fuji K Guides with Fazlite inserts. Texas Sheepshead Limits: Daily Limit: 5 per person. Marine@MyFWC. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. The Sheepshead are notoriously skittish, so stealth is required to get close enough to make a good cast. A live bait hook, aberdeen hook or octopus hook have long shanks that are a great fit for live worms. Riptail 5276 Octopus Circle Hooks. The sweep of an 8-foot rod helps, as does a sharp hook and braided line. When using Cut bait, I find size matters. Anglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. That's when you want to set the hook. Light wire does less damage to the fiddlers. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. Shrimp as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Shrimp for Sheepshead: 3. Cons: It takes a long time to tie. An important part of a successful Sheepshead rig is the hook, they can be tricky to hook with an improper hook due to their unique teeth. There’s a reason they’re called ‘convict fish’ — they’ll steal your bait. For the Bay this rig in a 40-pound mono line is just the ticket. The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. A very sharp hook should be set the moment a bite is detected. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. Fishing Information for Panama City, Destin, Navarre and Northwest Florida. For pier fishing targeting sheepshead, opt for sizes 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks or J-hooks. Lubricate tube with a light coat of veggie oil just before use. In between, the scale goes from #32 to #1 and then from 1/0 to 20/0. Larger sheepshead ate mollusks, crustaceans (crabs, etc), bottom worms and quite a bit of fish, mostly anchovies. SMALL. 1 or 2 hook is used because a sheepshead can bite through light wire hooks. Now, keep in mind the size of the hook will vary from brand to brand. Sheepshead require a strong hook-set. Cut a 24 inch 30 lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament leader and tie your circle hook to one side and a snap swivel to the other. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. We love the simplicity of this recipe with salt, pepper and a compound garlic butter to finish it off. Gear Requirements: Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig; Illegal Gear: Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; Snatching prohibited. Hooks When choosing a hook for catching sheepshead, consider the sharpness, size, and strength since sheepshead has very strong jaws and prominent teeth, they can easily destroy weaker and thinner hooks. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. To catch sheepshead, fishermen may choose hand lines, cane poles and spinning tackle and use fiddler crabs, barnacles, oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp for bait. This is a popular method for getting Sheepshead to bite, but you need to make sure your hook and lure are on the smaller size. Using hooks that are too large can be too big actually to fit in their mouths. The size limit. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. 80. 0 out of 5 stars 1. A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. A 4/0 hook is a good start. Big male fiddler crab is the ideal sheepshead bait. One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. The size is dependent on the bait size, but 1/0 works almost every time. The require patients and a sensitive rod/line combo. When a kahle hook grabs a sheesphead, it doesn’t let go. Shaddock Fishing Circle Hooks For Sheepshead. Leader material. Pinching off the tail and threading a shrimp onto a hook or a light jig head is a better play, as it brings the hook point closer to a sheepshead’s mouth. For example, a #4 fish hook is larger than a #6 fish hook, even though 6 is greater. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. In fact, some black drum can weigh an impressive 90 pounds! On average, when fully grown, they weigh between 30 to 40 pounds. Cranka, Savage Gear, and Chasebait’s crabs are the three best on the market for catching sheepshead. But the rewards are fine table fare, mainly because of their diet of. Where to Locate Sheepshead. Capt. However, sheepshead don’t only have large teeth—they also have large lips, which represent a great target for your hook tips. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it. Personally, I’ve caught a 20lb (9. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. As juveniles, they eat any soft-bodied animals they can find and a variety of small, shelled. Capt. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Circle Hooks: Do you have to use circle hooks for snapper. JSHANMEI 7384 Octopus Circle Fishing Hooks. Randy’s tactic of choice for sheepshead is is fishing with fiddler crabs on a jig head. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. His Weedless Eye weights are usually 3⁄16- and ⅛-ounce. Circle hooks work great for sheepshead. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. Sheepshead Jig, 2 Pack, Standup Style Jig, Saltwater Fishing Jig, Ultra Tough Powder Coat Finish with 2X Hook, 1/2-2oz Sizes, Multiple Colors, Made in The USA 4. Fresh from Florida. The hooks need to be sharp enough to penetrate the. Let’s go over the gear for targeting sheepshead. For smaller baitfish, like a threadfin or finger mullet, I like to use a #2, #1, or 1/0 circle hook. HOW TO COOK SHEEPSHEAD (THE SIMPLE. Take the hook point and insert it in between the bottom two legs of the crab. mono or fluro leader is good. You need a weighted fly that sinks and get's down to the bottom quick, yet light enough to not plop down noisily on the surface of the water. saltyfishin95 Discussion starter. bothersome to actually hook a Sheepshead and then lose it on the barnacles on the structure surrounding them. The movement of the hook presents the bait naturally to the sheepshead and usually ends up in more frequent hookups. Other fish look similar and can be confused with Sheepshead. Gamakatsu B10S, Size 2-8 saltwater hook Black size "A" rod wrapping thread (280 denier) Lead dumbbell eyes, sized to match hook, black Died olive barred hackle Black Mohair yarnHow to Catch a Sheepshead Fishing Florida (The Complete Guide) The best way to catch sheepshead is to target them around any underwater structure that has barnacles on it with a #2 sized J hook and a small piece of shrimp and a light 8 to 10 pound fluorocarbon leader. As far as size is concerned, the adults are typically around 19 inches long and two to five pounds. To get your hook in a sheepshead’s lip, be sure to follow the hook-selection advice discussed earlier. The Sheepshead diet of shellfish gives the meat a similar. Move your rod accordingly to guide the fish away from the structure or debris in the vicinity. . You will get some perfect hook ups in the corner of the mouth and also some catches in. Anything coming over to eat the crab has to bite down over the entire jig. Overall length of the adult sheepshead fish can reach 36 inches and can weigh around 21 pounds. (Table 4). Line: 15 lb braid (Preferably UltraCast Invisi-Braid) Leader: 18" of 20-25lb fluorocarbon. Go 20 to 25 inches away from the weight up. Other circular style hooks can work equally well. But before we dive into the topic, it's important to know what factors to consider when choosing a hook Best Hook For Sheepshead Fishing (2023 Update) - Just A TasteWhat You Need and How to Make The Sheepshead rig. I’m just going to generalize the heck out of this section since there are a lot of variables that could affect hook size and type for various species. If you're looking for the best hook for sheepshead fishing, you've come to the right place. Not much is off the table when it. Go heavy with 20-25 lb. My rig of choice is a dropper loop about 10” to 16” above a 2-6 ounce sinker. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. ”. 7. 80 $ 2. The hook type and size will change with your style of fishing and individual needs, but for all-purpose inshore fishing you will find that a 1/0 kahle hook will serve your needs well. Sheepshead can be seen cruising the flats but are really more suited for life among rocks, pilings, oyster reefs and other hard surface structures. What is the best hook for sheepshead? Also, make sure you match the hook size to the bait size, not the quarry size. Up to 8 fish of legal limit taken per day per person. Additionally you’ll want to keep the hook size small, usually around a size 6 or 4, and opt for a wide gape, chemically-sharpened hook as their donkey mouth full of molars doesn't make setting the hook an easy task. What size hooks for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. *If you want to order in quantities higher than what we have offered, please email us at info@hfdepot. #3. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. 6 kg) (35 cm). William Egerter Jr. 6 Kg), maximum recorded size 76 cm (30 in) weighing about 22 pounds (9. . Use at least a 3500 series reel. By Bao Nuo October 31, 2023 October 31, 2023 Reading Time: 17 minutes “A well-tied sheepshead rig can be. 25: 07/09/1997: Lake Superior: Ashland: Gar, Longnose: 21 lbs. He hooks small quarter-size crabs through the bottom pad. Get our octopus hook today and start catching more sheepshead with the. How To Rig Mud Crabs. Brock likes to use a bottom sweeper jig and place the hook through the hole and out. They'll eventually grow three rows of stubby, flat teeth in their upper jaw and two rows lining their lower jaw. 4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by sandbar Jul 25, 2012. How To Rig Fiddler Crabs For Bait. It is perfect for landing reds because it has six sets of different size Octopus fishing hooks including sizes 1/0, 2/0, and 3/0 that are the ideal fishing hook sizes for catching redfish. Give this fish a chance to nibble before you try to set your hook. Also can use gold sabiki size hook for catching cigars -Split shot or small bass worm weight as slip weight above swivel -10-15 inch 12-20 lb Fluoro leader -flat blade shovel and mesh net for getting oysters off of structure -hammer and brick to smash. A two to four ounce sinker should be enough and hook size will often be determined by the mouth of the fish you chase. What is a Sheepshead FishThe best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. I usually use between a 1-4 oz sinker, depending on depth and current. It is a hook on your line with a shrimp that is free to swim around. How to catch fiddler crabs - Roundup. . 25 pounds. The hook size chart below encompasses everything I’ve. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally bite them in half. It’s also one of the places some of larger ones are landed, with fish 14 to 17 inches not unusual. Begin with a two-foot piece of 80-pound test monofilament line and tie a Mustad # 3467 hook, size 4 or 6, to one end. Bottom Sweeper Jigs are symmetrically designed to resist roll over with an. a 12 to 18-inch leader of fluorocarbon, and a 3/0 hook with a live fiddler crab. latitude and non-stainless steel hooks are required. An important part of a successful Sheepshead rig is the hook, they can be tricky to hook with an improper hook due to their unique teeth. Hanzlik’s Sheepshead 0. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. You can catch them in the grass flats; around mangroves; around oyster bars. They have prominent teeth with incisors, molars and rounded grinders that enable them to crush shellfish and sea urchins. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally. Fishing for sheepshead at night can be very effective! And…there are ways to get sheepshead without a hook and line, such as a gig or bow. Carefully cast it. The minimum size limit for sheepshead is 10 inches fork length, which is measured from the fork in the tail to the tip of the snout. Mustad Classic Hook For Sheepshead. Dropper Loop Rig. This size hook is small enough to get into the Sheepshead mouth, but big enough to not snap when a big girl hits. Get a small hook (generally a size #1) and ideally a bottom sweeper jighead. He prefers a wide-gap circle hook, like the Mustad 39951, that he can dig a little deeper into the bait. Go 20 to 25 inches away from the weight up. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. They have small mouths with teeth that look almost human and small hooks are. Cons: It takes a long time. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Contact for Commercial Fisheries. To see the full blog on the how to select the best inshore fishing hook, click here now:…Both circle hooks and J hooks will work for sheepshead. For the new angler, fishing for Sheepshead can be a good place to start. In my opinion Stainless, or Circle hooks are a waste of time SheepsHead fishing. He’s picky about the size he uses for bait, so he catches his own. Length: 6’8″ – 7’6″; Power: Medium-Light to Heavy Rod Material: SCII Carbon; Guides: Aluminum-oxide; Handle: Full Cork Warranty: 5 year; Pros: Great value for the money; Premium sensitivity; Our choice for the best sheepshead rod under $200 is the Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod. Had 4 dozen fiddlers on Sunday and went through every. These tiny rocky structures, just millimetres in size, are called otoliths, or ear stones. Sheepshead can be very fussy at times. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. Make sure your weights is all the way down and not slacking then the waiting game begins. Best Lures for Sheepshead. This is one of the most effective ways of rounding up large colonies of fiddler crabs. In the numbered sizes, the largest commonly available size is #1. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current. A jighead will also work, ensuring. Knocker Rig. I would rather have my line break than have my hooks bend out. Trying to do so from a bouncing boat only adds to the challenge. Brian Summerlin, of Princess Anne, caught the 16. Although sheepshead are found all along the eastern US and South American Atlantic coastline, they particularly like the Gulf waters around Florida. I've always done real well with the Eagle Claw model #084 size 4. Shrimp. You can switch out the egg sinker with a fish finder slide and a weight as seen in the. usually with Sheepshead you have to hide the hook. In the state of North Carolina, currently, the minimum size of a Sheepshead to be. They are good eating and are not regulated. Ignore these and wait until you detect a heavy feeling on the line. Over on the Port Orange Causeway at Donald’s Bait and Tackle, Craig Patterson (no relation to Jeff) prefers his longtime method when targeting sheepshead:. Package Sizes: 10, 25, 50 and 100 Hooks. Then let it hover above the weight like so. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. I like to use around a size 2/0 hook either octopus or straight shank hook, either or will do the trick. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. Size: Average Sheepshead range from 1 pound to around 4 pounds. As the. Mussels as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Mussels: 5. Some anglers chum the area with crushed oysters or crabs before fishing. For most fishing applications, a #1 or #1/0 short shank live bait hook works best. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. 2 split-shot,” he says. Richard Cabug shows off a sheepshead at Surfside Jetty County Park, in Surfside Beach, on December 14, 2021. By using cut bait instead of shrimp. Light wire hooks are cheap and will break easily. "A well-tied sheepshead rig can be the difference between a great day of fishing and going home empty-handed.