The hook has to be strong or you’ll end up being disappointed after setting the hook. One of the best times to use this method is. Alternate method record fish. Sheepshead migrate inshore during the winter in Florida. 75 posts · Joined 2011. Bank sinker. Carolina rig: one-ounce egg sinker on running line tied to swivel; 12- to 18-inch, 40-pound leader running from swivel to hook;. The circle hook sets automatically in the corner of a fish’s mouth 90 percent of the time, so the rig is great for catch-and-release. These are a great choice when targeting sheepshead as it gets the bait to the bottom and the way it’s weighted is designed to keep the hook upright – which will increase your. Smaller Sheepshead and other fish will chew that Clam down to size. With these attributes, circle hooks are becoming the favorite hook for some Sheepshead anglers. Have caught 5 sheepshead in two trips, but have lost NUMEROUS amounts of them. As a general guideline, #6 to #10 hooks work well for smaller steelhead, while #2 to #4 hooks are suitable for larger ones. Generally, though, anglers will deal with lots of smaller sheepshead before they tie into a keeper fish, which must be a minimum of 12 inches. Table of Contents show. Put the hook in through one of the legs and out through the body. Gamakatsu octopus hooks size #2 or #1 work well but keep in mind that the #1 hook is a thinner wire hook and on larger sheepshead and drum, you could risk bending the hook. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. "My leader is usually less than six inches, a 3- to 6-inch leader. Sheepshead fishing requires medium size, strong and short-shanked hooks. 2. A fish-finder rig, with a 10-inch piece of 20-pound fluorocarbon, attached to a size 1 circle hook is my go-to. How to catch fiddler crabs - Roundup. The knocker is ideal for catching sheepshead on the bottom and around heavy structures. How to Fish for Sheepshead using Circle Hooks. With that being said a sheepshead that large would be truly exceptional. My go-to rig for catching sheepshead around structure is a dropper rig. Sheepshead are one of the most recognized fish in the ocean. The last step is to tie the hook on with a sturdy knot. As for the hooks, it mostly depends on the size of the shrimp (not the size of the fish you’re targeting). 1 or 1/0 hook and a No. When fishing for Sheepshead, you should use a standard light wire hook, typically size 2/0 or 2. Hence, a razor sharp hook would be the best option for this notorious fish. The sheepshead knows this, so they tend to hunt in these areas. 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. Give this fish a chance to nibble before you try to set your hook. 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. Use the lightest split shot possible, given the local current and depth. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. 16 inches. For smaller baitfish, like a threadfin or finger mullet, I like to use a #2, #1, or 1/0 circle hook. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. This wrap is our best seller for Sheepshead but is effective for many fish. The hooks need to be sharp enough to penetrate the. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. The larger sheepshead can feast on crabs, words, fish, and a different variety of crustaceans. The number 6 hooks equally well but you'll go through a bunch of them as the. This 3 - pack of jig weighs 1 - ounce and comes in a pink color. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. 5-2. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Because of the structure and the sheepshead’s tough mouth, forget about using a fine wire hook. For shrimp about 4 inches, I’ve been using a #1 size hook. If its slack tide or a slow moving tide I use a smaller hook with two or three split shots about 6 to 10 inches above it. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. Hook size can be confusing because there is no industry standard for, say, a size 4 Mustad and a size 4 Eagle Claw. To tie this rig, first tie your leader to your hook using your favorite snug knot (I use a fisherman’s knot). 1/0 to 10/0 “ought”, larger sizes. Sheepshead can be found offshore around recks and structure at all times of the year but become very prevalent around the colder months. You can also use a slip sinker rig with the sinker right up against the hook. A 1/8th oz. Bass: size 5 through 4/0 Catfish: size 2 through 6/0 Bullheads: size 7 through 1 Carp: size 3 through 1Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it generally places the bait down near the bottom where most of the sheepshead hang out. His Weedless Eye weights are usually 3⁄16- and ⅛-ounce. When a sheepshead is holding over a deeper structure, you may not feel comfortable dropping right into their fortress. While sheepshead typically stay under 15 pounds, black drum can reach much larger weights. 37. 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. 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. The best hook size for Sheepshead is a #1 to #2, which is about ½ inch in diameter. Match the size of the hook to the size of the worm. . Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. Match the size of the hook to the size of the worm. Now you'll want to deep fry each piece of sheepshead filet. For smaller baitfish, like a threadfin or finger mullet, I like to use a #2, #1, or 1/0 circle hook. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. ”. When using Cut bait, I find size matters. Fairly common up to 7 pounds and maxing out around 20 pounds. 99 :. #3. 5873 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by servo765, Feb 12, 2014 Jump to Latest prelude13 Discussion starter. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. . Capt. Hook Size for Sheepshead. Lubricate tube with a light coat of veggie oil just before use. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. The only problem I've had with such small hooks is a good size sheepshead can bend or crush them, but for the average size sheepshead, they do fine. Uncommon - this. The sinker attaches to the leader just above the hook. For the new angler, fishing for Sheepshead can be a good place to start. Sheepshead fish bite during cold Gulf of Mexico waters, attracting nearshore and offshore rocks. Instead, wait for a moment and let the fish fully take the bait before setting the hook by lifting your rod tip in a quick, firm motion. In the numbered sizes, the largest commonly available size is #1. Sheepshead. # Preview Product Price; 1 : Hunting and Fishing Depot Fiddler Crab Sheepshead Jigs : $5. DO you rig the hooks like tog fishing, and what size hook do you use? Is. Lawful catch limits for sheepshead. Richard Cabug shows off a sheepshead at Surfside Jetty County Park, in Surfside Beach, on December 14, 2021. Related episodes:From there Summerlin transported his record-size sheepshead to the Kool Ice and Seafood Company in the Chesapeake waterfront town of Cambridge for official measuring. Its hard to remember which size bead or cone matches what size hook. Try to use a smaller, thinner hook. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. For example, a #4 hook is smaller than a #1 hook. Small hooks, small fresh dead shrimp for croakers and whiting; Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last. 91-kilogram (2-pound) Women’s 1-kg (2 lb) Tippet Class World Record. Go heavy with 20-25 lb. They did note that when sea grasses or algae were plentiful, that sheepshead will occasionally feed heavily on them. Mission Fishin weedless jig head; 34:15 – Pros and cons of the Texas Eye jig head. Get a small hook (generally a size #1) and ideally a bottom sweeper jighead. There are two styles of hook commonly used for hooking sand fleas: Pompano fishermen favor the Kahle hook, which features a wide, round bend that aims the hook point back toward the middle of the hook shaft. Not much is off the table when it. “To me they are the saltwater equivalent of a smallmouth bass,” he shared. This method works great fooling the sheepshead,the hook is buried in the head of the shrimp, just make sure the shrimp is small. Species Fishing Hook Guide. Sheepshead must be larger than 12" - measured from the tip. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Cranka did their homework when designing this lure with this feature. Tallahassee, FL 32301. Species: Striped Bass, Red Drum, Flounder, Sea Trout, Bluefish, Snook. (Table 4). Two hooks also allow you to test two different baits to see what the fish are eating. The fish we are seeing up here in the northeast are wanderers, and the more food they find – as a general rule – the bigger they are going to get. 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. Place the egg sinker on the line and attach a swivel to it. Some anglers swear by using red hooks exclusively. Crankbaits. Bait for sheepshead is shrimp, but fiddler crabs, cracked blue crab, and gold spoons also work. Be sure to go with a quality brand of hook, such as Gamakatsu or Owner, because you want a sharp and strong hook that’s able to easily penetrate the fish’s mouth. 1. What hook size should you use with fiddlers for the convicts-big or small?1. Another option is to use an octopus-style hook with a small pinch weight attached above it. Summerlin was targeting sheepshead using soft crab rigged on a sliding sinker “fishfinder rig” with an 8/0 circle hook, and a spinning rod with 60-pound braid and a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader. Add to quote; Share Only show this user. I’ve been using 30 lb mono (get it from Amazon here). Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Planning another trip soon and will be dropping to size 4 hooks in the hopes that I can gut hook a few more Sorry for the long post but this is really frustrating me. For your weights, size 2-3 works well. Always use small hooks in sizes 1, 2, or 4. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller would be fine. Artificial crab lures have the highest success rates of any artificial lure when targeting sheepshead. 20:02 – Which weighted hook has the best centering pin. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. The key is to stay small, as the mouth of a sheepshead is very small for its size. These fishes possess powerful jaws and sharp teeth and could easily break weak or thin hooks. If I'm fishing for bigger sheepshead I'll go up to a 2/0 hook. As for croaker fishing rigs, Jeff likes to use a two-hook rig with size 6 or 8 hooks. Sheepshead Cut Bait For Flatheads. Salt Strong Fishing. Sand. Many times this will allow for the sheepshead to hook itself before the angler has to set the hook. . Small crankbaits are also inviting to Sheepshead as they make movement and sounds. A 1. The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook. Furthermore, you’ll want to keep your flies streamline, simple, and short. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. 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. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. To get your hook in a sheepshead’s lip, be sure to follow the hook-selection advice discussed earlier. Minimum size: 15″ minimum. Sheepshead Law in Florida. One of the best methods is with a sheepshead jig On the hook of the sheepshead jig, place a fiddler crab. My go to rod for sheepshead the TFO Professional Series – particularly a 7’0 ( PRO S 704-1) or 6’ 6” M Mod-Fast ( PRO S 664-1) spinning rod paired with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J”. Ok, trying to expand my horizion. Long standing debate, which hooks are the best for catching Sheepshead? I prefer a stout hook. 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. Reelin & Chillin Charters Inc. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. It can reach a maximum size in nature of more than 14 kg and 90 cm, and an age of 20 years or more, but one as large as 66 kg has been. So, a size 8 hook is actually a lot smaller than a size 1 hook. Other circular style hooks can work equally well. Plenty of predators eat the eggs and the juveniles. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. 6 oz. Beer Mixture. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. In super clear water or when using single eggs or very small baits, I will drop down to a size 12 and a size 14 wide gap hook that is thick enough to not bend on big steelhead. To start, remove the larger claws off of the fiddler crabs. They were specifically designed to have a slow sink rate giving it a more. . The size limit. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. Brian Summerlin, of Princess Anne, caught the 16. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells . A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. When the first hit is detected allow the Sheepshead some slack to allow it to eat the bait. Bottom Sweeper Jigs are symmetrically designed to resist roll over with an. Bait for sheepshead is shrimp, but fiddler crabs, cracked blue crab, and gold spoons also work. The overall size of the mouth for this species of fish is rather small. “If a redfish grabs the bait, or a good-sized sheepshead, it was breaking the treble hooks,” Carter said. That’s likely to be a 5’–7’ medium-heavy rod (spinning or casting) paired with a 3,000 series reel. Sheepshead are known for having strong jaws and small mouths. . They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. When cutting up these baitfish, I like to cut the tail off then use a 2-4 inch chunk. The knocker rig is similar to the Carolina rig. There’s a reason they’re called ‘convict fish’ — they’ll steal your bait. For example, the hooks above are extremely small around size #26-#30, and used for Microfishing. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. Knocker Rig. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Best way to cook sheepshead fish. 31:27 – How to set the hook (sheepshead are notorious bait stealers) 33:40 – Tony’s favorite sheepshead rig for using fiddler crabs or sand fleas. How To Hook The Shrimp. Also, make sure you match the hook size to the bait size, not the quarry size. I usually use between a 1-4 oz sinker, depending on depth and current. Ground was broken in February 2019. This method is preferred when fishing the bait off the bottom. The graphic below. " Skip to content. Use a 2/0 or 3/0 hook tied to a 20 to 30 pound monofilament leader line. If you have one rod/reel for trout fishing it needs to be a 5 wt. bothersome to actually hook a Sheepshead and then lose it on the barnacles on the structure surrounding them. 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. Food Value: One of the absolute best. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. Make sure your weights is all the way down and not slacking then the waiting game begins. Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. Sheepshead can also live as long as 20 years which makes more sense for the giant maximum size of this fish. Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. Hooks. They have small mouths with teeth that look almost human and small hooks are. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. (A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. When it comes to hooks, you can use anything from No. Circle hook size range (from smallest to largest): #32 to 10/0. Factors Affecting Hook Size Selection Now that we’ve covered some fish species and their recommended hook sizes, it’s important to consider additional factors when choosing the right hook size for pier fishing:A good 7 foot medium action rod and reel combo with 20 pound test line, split shot and some 2/0 J-hooks is all the gear you need to get started catching sheepshead. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. Daily Bag Limit: 8 per person. The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. The sinker and the bead should be free to slide along the main line. Gigging Sheepshead at Night. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. Live release record fish. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. For pier fishing targeting sheepshead, opt for sizes 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks or J-hooks. If you are targeting large Balck Drum, you can increase your leader size up to 40lb. Insert the hook from under the shrimp’s head, and push the barb out on top, avoiding the vital organs. Try to avoid frozen baits because they can: Turn mushy and easily fall off the hook. The new library has more than 20,000 square feet, almost twice the size of the old one at the same location. 5/32””. Many fishermen like to hook their shrimp through the head. What Size Hooks For Black Drum? The ideal hook size for fishing for Black Drum is a 3/0 which is about ¾” in diameter. May 9, 2023 Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Another reason for the small hook is that sheepshead have good vision, and may refuse to eat a bait if they can see the hook. You can use a jig head, j hook, circle hook, or live bait hook to rig these up as bait and the method is all the same. The knocker is ideal for catching sheepshead on the bottom and around heavy structures. Charleston Edition January 3, 2021, 2:00 PM. The fish hit a plain AVA jig size 017. Circle Hooks: Do you have to use circle hooks for snapper. The fishing hooks that come in this. Using small, strong hooks and smaller shrimp or shrimp pieces greatly increases the hook up ratio. Sheepshead can be very fussy at times. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. Habitat: Sheepshead are found in saltwater and. Male Fiddler Crab. This lightweight hook lets the shrimp swim freely. and they bite very light so its hard to tell sometimes when they hit. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller would be fine. The best way to hook a fiddler crab for sheepshead is the same way as described as above. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Use about 4 to 6-pound line and add your split shots about 8 to 18” above the hook depending on how deep you are fishing. “I prefer small blue crabs 3 to 5 inches across the shell and rig them on 3/0 to 7/0 circle hooks with 3 to 4 feet of 30- to 40. It never hurts to use a two-foot piece of 20 lb fluorocarbon leader when the sheepies are being leader-shy. If you target sheepshead, then you need to have this rig in your arsenal. Up to 8 fish of legal limit taken per day per person. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. Simply slide an egg sinker and bead on to your main line, the tie a 60+ lb snap swivel, and attach your 50 lb leader, with a 4/0 to 8/0 circle hook. Rod: 7' medium light to medium action. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. The crab was fitted to a sliding sinker “fishfinder rig” with an 8/0 circle hook. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. My rig of choice is a dropper loop about 10” to 16” above a 2-6 ounce sinker. 6 out of 5 stars 103 $9. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that making a final purchasing decision may be difficult. Both can hold. I have had the most luck with a small treble hook - #10 or #11. ”. I like to use about 18 inches with about a ¾ to ¼ ounce weight, depending on the current, to keep the line tight. The hook size chart below encompasses everything I’ve. Snapper: The 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. Sheepshead ( Archosargus probatocephalus), of the family Sparidae, is an excellent food fish that ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Brazil in mainland coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs. Size, Age, and Growth of a Sheepshead. What size hook should I use? Use a smaller #6 or #4 for 1-2″ minnows and small leeches to target Perch and Crappie Use the medium size #4 & #2 on larger 3-4″ minnows and jumbo leeches for Walleye. Ignore these and wait until you detect a heavy feeling on the line. 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. Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). As the. Package Sizes: 10, 25, 50 and 100 Hooks. 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. 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. As the aught (or “ought”) gets larger hook size also gets larger. Deschenes suggests two different rigs to fish for sheepshead. Tsunami Carbon Shield II Spinning Rods are designed with Fuji K Guides with Fazlite inserts. The average size for adults is between 10 and 20 inches in length, and around 3 to 4 pounds in weight. Long leaders aren’t recommended because sheepshead bite so gently that you won’t even be able to feel them. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. 1. 5-3. You want to use enough weight so your hook just makes contact with the bottom. Size: Average Sheepshead range from 1 pound to around 4 pounds. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Flounder hooks. Leader material. The best size hook for steelhead can vary depending on factors such as fish size, water conditions, and bait/lure selection. Sheepshead feed on a variety of small crustaceans. Sheepshead will often inhale short-shank hooks, and then those rugged teeth. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. 4 hook. 91-kilogram (2-pound) Women’s 1-kg (2 lb) Tippet Class World Record. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. These tiny rocky structures, just millimetres in size, are called otoliths, or ear stones. You. Fish Finder Rig: 5/0 Circle Hook, 18″ Steel Leader #40 Lb. 6 Kg), maximum recorded size 76 cm (30 in) weighing about 22 pounds (9. In most cases, the line should be 10#–15# mono or braided. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current For bait. EP 182: How To Catch Sheepshead On Fake Crabs!!! 30. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]The average size is under a pound with the maximum being about 3-4 pounds. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. A size 3/0 or 4/0 Owner all-purpose cutting edge hook works great with this rig. My favorite rig to throw live or cut bait on is a Cobia Fish Finder Rig/Carolina rig. We go from a #1 early in the year for 2"-2 1/2" baits to a 5/0 in the summer when the average bait runs 4 1/2" to 6". All fishing hooks are given a number based on their size. Table of Contents show. Use at least a 3500 series reel. How to hook sand fleas. It is this boney mouth that makes them hard to hook and requires a hook that is placed in the side of their mouth in the soft tissue. They can reach a size of up to 30". Due to their small mouths and ample dentures, they can clean a hook in a split second. They have a long, cylindrical body shape and even can have stripes, but the stripes are. Be aware of regulations: Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Florida, as there may be size and bag limits for Sheepshead. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. The second is with the fiddler crab on a 3/8-ounce Ralph Phillips jighead. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. He prefers a wide-gap circle hook, like the Mustad 39951, that he can dig a little deeper into the bait. Use long-shanked hooks. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. 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:. For pier fishing targeting sheepshead, opt for sizes 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks or J-hooks. 25: 07/09/1997: Lake Superior: Ashland: Gar, Longnose: 21 lbs. Circle Hooks: Reprint/Repost #1 or 1/0 are best. Fishing Tips; Contact Us; Fishing Tips. Get our octopus hook today and start catching more sheepshead with the. A good size of hook for bass will usually be around 1/0 or 2/0 However, you can use smaller and larger hooks depending on the type of lure you want to use and your presentation. 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 teeming with teeth. The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. Choose a rod 6-7ft medium action with a light touch so you can feel the delicate bite of a sheepshead. Male Fiddler Crab. 35:56 – Best crab lure colors for sheepshead. Cut a 3-foot (excluding scope for two knots) section of the 15 pound fluorocarbon leader line. The smaller the better when it comes to octopus hooks and sheepshead, so try one in a size of 1/0 or 2/0 for best results. The hook-set needs to be swift. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait. 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. Texas Sheepshead Limits: Daily Limit: 5 per person. For your leader, use a 3-foot section of 20-pound monofilament and attach it to your main line with a. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. 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. 25 oz, 1. Sometimes confused with: black drum, spadefish. 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. That's when you want to set the hook. Finely shred cabbage, carrot and cucumber. My rig of choice is a dropper. After the first cut is done, you would have to go on for the second cut. on the Dauntless party boat continues to rock hop in the Shrewsbury area.