The Tampa Bay Times
Cooler temperatures have ignited the fall spearfishing for sheepshead. Fall spearing for sheepshead starts with the cooler water around inshore pilings and docks. Many younger spearfishermen cut their teeth on spearing these fish in the canals and back water areas of Tampa Bay and other intercoastal waterways. As the water temperatures continue to drop, the main concern of inshore spearfishermen is moving away. The summer sharks in the inshore areas are starting to move south. In a month, most of the predatory sharks will have moved to warmer water. The sheepshead in the inshore areas are also a popular hunted fish due to the clearer water that comes with the end of the summer season. Less rain means less runoff and less pollutants and debris from the land runoff. However, the rain from the end of last week will probably take a few more days to clear the area. After the water clears the better sheepshead spearing will be back. Starting in a few weeks, the bigger sheepshead will slowly start to make their way offshore in water less than 30’ deep. Offshore sheepshead will get up to the eight pounds and bigger. Whether spearing sheepshead inshore or offshore, the second benefit of sheepshead hunting is the possible harvest of stone crabs. Both the sheepshead and stone crab share the same type of underwater habitat. Harvesting both these species can make for a great day on the water. A sheepshead and stone crab harvest can make for a great fall/winter event.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
