Capt. Brent Gaskill
Sheepshead are generally only mentioned in fishing reports during the coldest winter months. But now when we’re moving into warming spring weather is when they really bite the best. Spawning aggregations have formed at many of the passes and out to our near shore wrecks and reefs. This time of year the sheepshead abandon their typical bait stealing ways and strike baits aggressively. Live or fresh cut shrimp chunks are the easiest to obtain and use for bait, but fiddler crabs will far out produce any other offerings. I like to target sheepshead on rocky structures with light inshore spinning gear to maximize their fighting potential. Sheepshead belong to the porgy family and yield a sweet fillet that any true Florida old-timer will say tastes better than grouper.
On another note, the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) has officially extended the closure on snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout for another year into 2021. Any reports referring to these species as “slot-size” or “over-slot” is just a measurement reference. They are strictly catch and release, which I feel is great news to help rebuild our natural resource.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
