Offshore Fishing in. Using this bait is one of my Sheepshead fishing tips and tricks. Weekend Game Plan Lessons. 9g, and 9. In this tutorial, I walk you through "How to rig for sheepshead fishing" it's a simple rig that is super effective. Predator fish, like snapper and snook, are hiding out near the mangrove roots waiting for an unsuspecting fish or crustacean to swim by. The 7 types of saltwater fishing rigs are: Surf fishing rigs. Go Stout: You need heay tackle to take on a goad; braid combined with fluorocarbon leader works best. 1. These jigs are great for rigging shrimp, fiddler crabs, or sand fleas to catch sheepshead , redfish, black drum, and any other fish that feeds on the bottom. It is best used on jig heads and other weighted hooks because the added weight is needed in order to cast it a decent distance. Jig rig. A jighead will also work, ensuring. Freeline Shrimp Rig. The best rod for surf fishing with bait for most people is a 10 to 12 foot surf rod with medium to medium-heavy power and moderate to fast action. However, in summer many different fishes are available to inshore anglers. Jig rig. )The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. There is little doubt that spottail bass, or redfish, are the year-round king of inshore fishing in South. Carolina Rig with circle hook. Sid quickly moved in to help with the task of muscling up her sheepshead. braided line. Sheepshead will often inhale short-shank hooks, and then those rugged teeth start chafing at the leader. Try fishing for Sheepshead near the bridges this season. The best time to fish for Sheepshead is during the incoming and outgoing tides – preferably both so you want to target a day when high tide is near midday High tides cover the structure with water and the tidal flows move tasty crustaceans within reach of the hungry Sheepshead. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning Rod. com. Cast your bait within 2 feet of a submerged structure such as pilings, rocks, or reefs, and pay close attention because Sheepshead are sneaky and can easily run off with your bait. Presenting the bait naturally. The sheepshead fish is a deep-bodied, marine fish with sharp dorsal spines. Cast your crab about 4-5 feet outside the strike zone and gently reel it into the area you think the sheepshead are at. What are the best beach fishing rigs for beginners? The 5 best beach fishing rigs for beginners are: Carolina rig. The thrill of fishing for sheepshead lies not just in the catch but also in the preparation – particularly in designing the perfect rig. Attach one end to the swivel. Let’s start by refreshing anglers’ memories or teaching newcomers the rigging needed, which is as follows: Hooks – Octopus or Mosquito style in size 4 or 2 recommended; Leader Line –. To tie this rig, first tie your leader to your hook using your favorite snug knot (I use a fisherman’s knot). 4:02 – Bridge structure. For line, go with a 20lb braided line with a flouro leader. Pier fishing rigs. The best way to rig a fiddler is to insert the hook in between either the back legs of the fiddler crab or the back corner of the shell behind the back legs. Sheepshead grow large on their shellfish diet. Rigging for Sheepshead fishing six different ways. on December 24, 2020 Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Sheepshead, WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: 12-27-20 Comments (34) It’s sheepshead time! Now that the water is getting colder, sheepshead are starting to take center stage. Fiddler crabs along with oysters and other various crustaceans, prove to be a fav. The Berkley Gulp! Peeler Crab can be a good lure option for catching fish that feed on crabs. At certain times of the year they are plentiful along the edge of the surf. . When fishing for whiting it is best to look for areas that have two sets of breaking waves. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Here’s why: Using a 7’5” or 7’8” casting rod helps you make longer casts with the intent of slowly moving the bait in front of more fish. In this video by Coastal Angler Magazine Charleston, Jiggin’ Jerry gives us a great fishing tip on how to rig a mussel for sheepshead fishing, he makes it look easy, and it is! Follow here for more great fishing stories and tips!1. 1. Use the Owner’s Mutu Light Circle hook (2/0 size) for the best results. See Full post. Spooled on the reel is 80 to 100-pound test braided line. A few Spanish mackerel and speckled trout have also been caught, reports Big Pier 60 Bait. 5807 posts · Joined 2008. This rig allows your bait to move naturally in the current, which can be especially helpful when fishing for sheepshead in tidal areas. . Not only will this help you not get pinched, but it will also create a little hole where the claw used to be that’s perfect for placing the hook. Soak your. The Best Fishing Knots Of All Time [Ranked Strongest To Weakest] How To Catch Sheepshead (Plus PDF Cheat Sheet & Catch Card) How To Make A High Low Rig (For Sheepshead & Snapper) Disclaimer: When you buy through links on our site, we sometimes earn affiliate commission from places like Amazon, Bass Pro, Tackle Warehouse, etc. We’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of each of these saltwater bottom rigs below, so. Now you are ready to create your leader. Bait: shrimp, crabs, bipeds. If you place your bait directly on top of the fish, this will spook them. 2. In our experience, some of the best hooks to use are the Mustad 2/0 and 3/0 Octopus hooks. Anglers who want the best success fish many docks to find the hotspots. What’s the best bait for sheepshead? Shrimp. Leader length is usually 12-18 inches and a fluorocarbon leader material can be beneficial, 10-20lb leader works the best. S. Some of the best places to target them in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach include the Three Mile Bridge, Bob Sykes Bridge, Pensacola Pier, and the Fort Pickens Pier. This rig is best used to catch snook fishing off piers, the beach, bridges, or for fishing flats. If you’re casting your shrimp out away from you and there’s not too much structure on the bottom, you can rig the shrimp like I did in this video. A little lesson on how to rig your rod for Sheepshead and the materials I use. . Want access to our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store?. With one hand lifting the top of the fish open, cut along the backbone, separating the meat. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper. Sheepshead have strange, human-like teeth meant for munching on crustaceans! Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. They can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds. Attach one end to the swivel. Ideal for fishing near structure. Black Bay Jailbreak — Fishing tips for sheepshead. For line, go with a 20lb braided line with a flouro leader. The best reel right now is that canyon reels 3500. Live bait is usually the best option when fishing. Move 16” up the line and make a loop with the line. What’s the best bait for sheepshead? Shrimp. “A well-tied sheepshead rig can be the difference between a great day of fishing and going home empty-handed. One of my favorite rigs for catching sheepshead is a dropper rig. Piers, jetties, bridges, rocky shorelines, and mangrove shorelines are great places to find them. Beer Mixture. Use a Knocker Rig Close to Structure. Stop paying full price for your tackle and get on the water fishing tips every week. See moreA dropper rig and a simple jig head are the only two rigs for sheepshead you really need. 12 Pounds. ) Best Penn Sheepshead Reel 2Select a rod that is matched to the reel and is rated for 10-30 pound line. Click here to join us in the Insider Club: It's sheepshead time!Let’s go over the gear for targeting sheepshead. What is the best rig for sheepshead?. We’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of each of these rock fishing rigs in full detail below, so you can decide which one is best for you. 5g Color: Olive Crab, Brown Crab, Fiddler Crab, Cockle Crab, Sand Crab, Spotted Crab, Brackish Fiddler Crab, Glow Crab, Muddy Crab, Purple Crab, Vampire Crab The ultimate artificial lure crab. And even though finding such a magnificent specimen again is a long shot, fishing for Sheepshead is still incredible here. In either case, anglers should try to hide the hook in the bait as much is possible. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. Add a shrimp or sand flea teaser. BottomFishing 101 tells us that using the lightest weight possible to hold a bait on or near bottom while keeping that weight away from the hook is paramount in catching a variety of benthic species. Corpus Christi: Anglers from all over come here for spectacular inshore fishing, and Sheepshead fishing is no exception. The Yzd Sheepshead Jig Mold is a pack of 12 jig lures. Jig rig. Larger fish stay offshore or near deep channels. Start with 3-4 feet of leader and create a loop near the middle of it. I like to use a bronze or black 1/0 Kahle hook, with a 1/2" diameter "fuzz ball" (from the craft section) soaked in shrimp juice. That is the best size for catching a Sheepshead, especially when you are just starting out. The best rod for surf fishing with bait for most people is a 10 to 12 foot surf rod with medium to medium-heavy power and moderate to fast action. Big male fiddler crab is the ideal sheepshead bait. Weight will vary depending on depth and current. A pair of big sheepshead work over a Gulf platform in clear water. The best time to fish for sheepshead is during the colder winter months of December through March. Other Resources. Cut a 3-foot (excluding scope for two knots) section of the 15 pound fluorocarbon leader line. As for the hooks, it mostly depends on the size of the shrimp (not the size of the fish you’re targeting). To See Closeup Pictures Of The Fish I Catch, Hit Up My Social Media Accounts Below!Connect With Me On IG, FB, Twitter:Instagram: @woodysreeltimefishing first is to create fish attracting surface commotion with a crisp pull of the rod tip. Tie a 2-foot. Pour sauce over top of the tomatoes. Pin either bait a couple of times with the hook to keep sheephead from pecking it off. If I were using bigger shrimp, I’d go up a size to probably a 1/0, and if I were using smaller shrimp I’d go down a size, probably to a #2. . But with popularity comes increased fishing pressure and the need for fine-tuned strategies to get war fish to bite. Knocker rig. There are a ton of options for rigs, so use what you’re comfortable with. 13:41 – How to rig lures with Mustad Grip Pins (and how to rig extra tough lures) Mustad Grip Pin; 18:10 – When to use Mustad Grip Pins & Z-Man ChinlockZ (and when NOT to use them) Z-Man ChinlockZ; 20:02 – Which weighted hook has the best centering pin. We’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of each of these saltwater fishing rigs below, so you can decide which one is best for you. Surf fishing may or may not include lure or bait casting. The sheepshead fish or striped bandit is a wintertime inshore fishing mainstay for many anglers along the southern Atlantic coast down around Florida and up into the Gulf of Mexico. A fish-finder rig, with a 10-inch piece of 20-pound fluorocarbon, attached to a size 1 circle hook is my go-to. S. He developed Bottom Sweeper Jigs. Don’t hook the crab too deep or you may wind up killing it. . You’ll get away with it for a fish or two, but eventually it’ll likely be weakened to the point that you break off. Sanford Boye and Russ Roy. On a freshwater bass drop shot rig, the hook is tied directly to the main line. Hungry and ready to spawn. So, whether you are looking to specifically get on sheepshead, or are just looking for an awesome day of fishing – he is your go-to local pro. 00. . Then there are other times when a more diminutive. Anglers can catch big fish on just about any equipment. What Makes A Good Sheepshead Rig. OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. This rig works best where shrimp or bait fish are popping on the surface. My. Other local species include Trout, Jack Crevalle, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Ladyfish, Mackerel, Flounder, and a variety of Sharks. 5-ounce pencil weight, and a size #1 or #2 Gamakatsu octopus hook. These small crabs are candy to most inshore species of fish. Make the leader about 30 inches long and tie. I first used Fiddler crab. Because of this, the fish finder rig is one of the best surf fishing rigs, and is the go-to choice for most beach anglers targeting a wide variety of saltwater game fish, including striped bass, cobia, red drum, flounder, seat trout, snook, sheepshead, croaker, and even small sharks. Best Rod and Reel for High Low Rig Fishing. Check rig often with small movements. Believe it or not, sheepshead love barnacles, and they. Be careful not to let them wrap you up. ADVERTISEMENT / ADVERTISE WITH US. The best time to surf fish in the Outer Banks is spring and fall. These waters are shallow, like elsewhere in the Outer Banks. There are a few different options you have as a Sheepshead fisherman/woman to be successful on the water. The Sheepshead Rig: Light Tackle? You bet!. 13:27 – How to increase your hookup ratio when using these lures. 2. Then there are other times when a more diminutive. High low rig. You don’t need jumbo shrimp either. The cut-off point is typically around 14-15 inches. 14-24 inches are best eating. When surf fishing with the Carolina rig, your best bet for a rod is a 10-foot surf pole with a 30- to 50-pound braid, the perfect tackle for handling a big bull red. Hudson, who caught a 4-pound 12-ounce fish on April 9, 1950 in Alabama’s Ketona Lakes. The Best Rig For Catching Sheepshead Around Heavy Structure. - In this video by Coastal Angler Magazine Charleston, Jiggin' Jerry gives us a great fishing tip. Fish finder rig. . I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. 15:36 – Dock fishing etiquette. Double drop bottom rig. The ideal salmon fishing rig for these conditions, used almost universally by Niagara River salmon anglers, is known as a three-way rig. The rig mentioned below works beautifully Inshore and Offshore for Sheepshead. Bonner Bridge across Oregon Inlet probably holds the most and largest fish. Let’s look at some of the best rigs to use when fishing for Sheepshead. And when you’re fishing bridges in heavy current, be sure to drop your bait behind the pylons. Larger fish stay offshore or near deep channels. Fiddler Crabs. Break pieces off or crush crabs to provide scent trail. Fiddlers are the 2nd best and will probably get you the most sheephead if there is a lot of pinfish and etc around mommicking your bait. Unlike many neighboring marshes and waterways, Delacroix is immune to the seasonal influence of the Mississippi River. com. See all trips in Ohio. LIVE BAIT RIGS: BEST OVERALL RIG FOR INSHORE FISHING (AND THE WORST RIG) HOW TO RIG LIVE MULLET (FOR BIG REDFISH, SNOOK, & TROUT NEAR STRUCTURE). Knocker rig. A spotted silver fish that roams the coastline and neighboring estuaries of Mississippi, the speckled trout is a delicious game fish that primarily feeds on shrimp and other small fish. We’ll point out the places it prefers, its feeding habits, diet, the best water temperatures and weather conditions, and the best tackle for sheepshead fishing. Our Rigging Station segments keep you connected and this one is no different as I share all sorts of rigging tips for fooling sheepshead across Florida and b. 2 large eggs. ” Sheepshead fishing is a popular angling pursuit, primarily targeting a saltwater species of fish known as the sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus). In this case, a knocker rig is best to reach the fishing bait to the fish. Stone Harbor New Jersey. Visit the rocky jetty on Packery Channel for some of the best action, especially in winter. • Carolina rig with 6-7-inch leader Bait: • Fiddler or other small crabs • Barnacles • Pieces of oysters and clams • Live or dead shrimp threaded on hook. Here’s how to make our favorite bottom fishing rig. Sheepshead can be very fussy at times. Sand Flea: Sometimes called a mole crab, use a. A 7 foot spinning rod is our go-to rod for catching Sheepshead. Most anglers are after the “Big 3” – Tarpon, Redfish, and Snook. The best way to rig a fiddler is to insert the hook in between either the back legs of the fiddler crab or the back corner of the shell behind the back legs. A jighead will also work, ensuring. Paternoster rig. It is also illegal to use live or dead bait when combined with a multiple hook setup. Here are three of my favorite ways to rig shrimp and crabs for sheepshead: Split shot rig. For more on rigs, check out the 7 Best Rigs for Sheepshead. Fiddler crabs are called 'sheepshead candy' by anglers who love fishing with them because they are the best bait for catching sheepshead you can use. --For information on a. Whatever bait you use - and peeler crab, mussel and worm baits are likely to be best - the fish will expect to find it right at the bottom of the gully, and it would be wise not to disappoint them. 1. Oil Rigs. How To Rig The Best Baits For Sheepshead Fishing By: Wyatt Parcel on September 30, 2022 Found In: Fishing Tips, Live Bait Fishing Tips, Live Bait Tips,. Brock likes to use a bottom sweeper jig and place the hook through the hole and out. Do the same with the ribs. 25:11 – Using weighted hooks vs. S. . Leave 11/2" sticking above plywood. They are common in both salt and brackish wate. 4. . The rig’s key components are a three-way swivel, a 1. Sheepshead fishing on structure with fiddlers is the most popular method of catching big fish. 00:00:00. but have undeniable success when fishing for reds, trout, sheepshead,. Sheepshead have strange, human-like teeth meant for munching on crustaceans!Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. Follow Me On IG, FB, Twitter:Instagram: @woodysreeltimefishing fishing for black drum is often the easiest option and can produce the best results if you use the right black drum fishing rig. Don’t hook the crab too deep or you may wind up killing it. 5:46 – How to rig the weedless shrimp on a hook. Best Under $100: Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod. Crimp the sleeve and remove the excess mono. I'd love to get a shot at an All Tackle IGFA Record with that little rig. Best Fishing Reel For Sheepshead . Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. Male Fiddler Crab. P. One of the best redfish tackle setups is the no-brainer rig. Shop Amazon for 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 and find millions of items, delivered faster than ever. com: sheepshead fishing rig. Inshore: Fishing from the catwalks and jetty have been producing catches of sheepshead, snapper and flounder. There are a few different options you have as a Sheepshead fisherman/woman to be successful on the water. The Alabama limit for sheepshead. A jighead is simple and will work great for catching sheepshead. It’s so easy to get your bait where you want it by the docks, bridges and pilings. . Click here to join us in the Insider Club: to. In this tutorial, I walk you through "How to rig for sheepshead fishing" it's a simple rig that is super effective. Surf fishing is an umbrella term for all types of shore fishing such as angling on sandy and rocky beaches, fishing piers, and stony quays. Offshore, inshore and freshwater fishermen have everything that they need for tons of fishing fun. Polarized sunglasses are a must for sheepshead fishing. At the end of the standoff, you want the bait swinging, so add on a 2" trace, with your hook. Craig Paige, of Paige II Charters in Virginia Beach. FIDDLER CRAB (BAIT DURABILITY TEST) SHEEPSHEAD FISHING TIPS (BEST LURES, RIGS, & MISTAKES TO AVOID) SPLIT SHOT RIG: SIMPLE, EASY & QUICK RIG FOR SHEEPSHEAD; Related categories: Fishing Tips,. 3 way swivel rig. John. So, if you can obtain them, that’s what you should usually try first. The Carolina rig is one of the most popular bottom fishing rigs for saltwater as well as freshwater, and comes in handy as a great all around rig for fishing from piers. Carolina rig. Slip bobber rig. Best Rigs | Sheepshead Fishing. 34 comments. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. Finally, anglers who get into a school, with the proper sheepshead fishing rig and the best bait for sheepshead, can usually catch a lot of the fish in a short time. The rig is best for jetty or pier fishing where the increased fishing height keeps the rig vertical and the. Using the wrong rig. Spottail bass, trout, sheepshead, tarpon and flounder are the most popular inshore fish available around Edisto Island, not to mention black drum, jacks, bluefish, a variety of sharks, ladyfish, skates, pinfish and many more. How to Rig for Sheepshead Fishing When rigging your line for sheepshead fishing, it is important to use a strong leader and a small hook . Keep the sand fleas in a bucket of moist sand. We’ll go over the strengths and weaknesses of each of these saltwater fishing rigs below, so you can decide which one is best for you. Like the fish finder rig, the hook on a drop shot is tied to the line from one to three feet above the sinker. Double drop bottom rig. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. The weight of the split shots depends on the depth and current you’re fishing. Running ledger rig. This will allow for movement of attractant our of the jar and into the surrounding water. Sheepshead feed on small crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and barnacles, and can usually be found around structure such as: Docks; Bridges;. . #3 · Sep 22, 2019. For the most part, you will be fishing a Carolina Rig with live bait straight up and down. Keep in mind that inshore fishing covers any type of fishing within 9 miles from shore, and up to a depth of around 90 feet. If you’re fishing for larger snook you may want to try something around 50-65lbs. Using the wrong rig will leave you getting broken off, not feeling the Sheepshead bites, or not getting any bites at all!. You want the biggest bang for your buck. Slide a small egg sinker onto your main-line, tie on a small barrel-swivel, 24 to 36-inches of 20lb. The high low rig is a great rig for sheepshead because you have two hooks that can double your chances of catching fish, plus you can test out two different baits (i. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes) This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. Croix Triumph Inshore Spinning Rod. What Bait and Tackle to Use. TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Multi Jointed Swimbaits Slow Sinking Bionic Swimming Lures Bass Freshwater Saltwater Bass Lifelike Fishing Lures Kit. EP 172: Sheepshead & Mangrove Snapper (ON DEMAND) 30. Fishing Tips. Try to use a smaller, thinner hook. May 9, 2023. John. This is done by standing on the shore or paddling in the surf. The heart and soul of Texas’s deep sea fishing scene, home to Amberjack, Dorado, Tuna, and even Marlin. Many hard-core sheepshead anglers prefer to use fiddler crabs. 1. And if you know someone who likes to fish for sheepshead and pompano,. Jeff grew up with a love for saltwater fishing in Charleston, S. . Galveston: Galveston is known throughout the Lone Star State as a prolific fishery, and fishing for Sheepshead can confirm that. Cranka, Savage Gear, and Chasebait’s crabs are the three best on the market for catching sheepshead. Sheepshead feed off the pilings of the pier, if. Double drop bottom rig. 1 cup buttermilk. Sand Fleas. Jig rig. Sheepshead must be at least 12 inches to be kept in the state of Florida, and nearly all fishing methods are allowed. Easy to Use: The double-arm design keeps hooks away from the main fishing line, preventing tangles and making it easy to add or remove weight or hooks. Pompano rig. There are two ways to do this. Sheephead fish have a limited range primarily in the southern half of California and Northern Baja. What Is The Best Rig For Sheepshead? May 9, 2023 One of the most popular ways to catch sheepshead is with a carolina rig The Carolina rig is also known. Fiddlers are the 2nd best and will probably get you the most sheephead if there is a lot of pinfish and etc around mommicking your bait. Amazon . Conclusion. Flapper rig. Carolina rig. MOTZU Set of 10 Artificial Crab Baits, 3D Simulation Crab Soft Lures with Sharp Hooks, Sea Fishing Bait Traps, Saltwater Fish Tackle Accessory Tool, Random Color: 4. Summer won’t produce as many trophy Reds, but there will be Sharks alongside them. Intrigued? Here’s the low-down on how to catch Sheepshead… Where can Sheepshead be caught? Sheepshead live in coastal Atlantic waters, from Nova Scotia. Sheepshead Jig Gulf Breeze Fiddler (3 pack)The fish-finder rig (sliding rig) is by far the most popular choice of surf casters. Place these light lures 6 to 8 inches behind a torpedo sinker or Stingsilver to give them casting. Baitcasting rods work as well. When inserting the hook, insert the point right above a leg of the crab and then pull it out the back. All of these methods work with any type of bait, Shrimp, Oysters, Barnacles, Fiddler, Mangrove or Mud Cra. Giant Sheepshead love big bridge pilings, and in this vid I talk about how to catch that big ole trophy sheepshead- or as we call it, the bridge monster. I know your thinking who in their right mind. I decided to upgrade to a 5'11" Med Toadfish Sheepshead (Convict) Rod pa. Do you need to look for different conditions or features in a sheepshead fishing. A jighead is simple and will work great for catching sheepshead. Typically you want to use a Carolina rig (slip sinker to a swivel to a leader to small hook). Use long-shanked hooks. Fishing Bridges With Shrimp [Insider Report]. Pompano rig. ) 3/0 bait-holder hook. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. Find new rigging methods for your next sheepshead. Plastic bait shown for illustration; live will be used. The Bay provides such a wide variety of aquatic life, it’s not uncommon to bag several species on any given outing. Sheepshead Jig Fiddler Crab (3 pack) $5. To rig a Carolina rig, tie a barrel swivel onto your main line and attach a leader of about 18 inches. Snagging the fish is not allowed, just like with any game fish in the state. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The best line for fishing for sheepshead is braid in the 12-30 pound class. Use the smallest egg sinker that will get your bait down to the fish. You'll feel everything. High tides cover the structure with water and the tidal flows move tasty crustaceans within reach of the hungry Sheepshead. . Some anglers prefer circle hooks as well; a #3/0 circle hook is a good all round size. Learn how to catch sheepshead like a pro! Sheepshead are a fun fish to catch and can be caught all year round. “Set and forget” patience is usually required for black drum. Tie a surgeon’s loop on the end of the fluoro. Fishing whole mussels usually yields solid hook-ups, as a sheepshead has to take the entire bait in its mouth. Casting to breaking fish at Indian River Inlet is a fine dance, and must be carried out with care and balance. 6 to 7 foot bait?casting rod is the ideal rig when fishing the bridge pilings. On the hook of the sheepshead jig, place a fiddler crab. The fiddler is an excellent alternative to the marsh crab and is much more readily available. Break pieces off or crush crabs to provide scent trail. The last step is to tie the hook on with a sturdy knot. When targeting Sheepshead, a 2500 to 3000 size reel is optimal. How to set it up: You’ll need the following components to set up a Carolina rig for red drum:. . Thing Weight: 0. KNOCKER RIG. My go-to rig for catching sheepshead around structure is a dropper rig. For this rig, you are inserting the hook through the head of the shrimp. The best choice for a Fish Finder rig is the circle hook, size. Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE. There is no such thing as the perfect rig, but the. Corrosion-Resistant Material: Made with high-quality stainless steel, our fishing rigs are resistant to corrosion and wear, making them perfect for saltwater fishing. This is the result of a scouting trip just a day ago, December 28th: If you are ready to start planning, start here. Ohio. It takes plenty of fiddlers for a day of sheepshead fishing, so many anglers freeze them ahead of time, spending off-fishing days collecting bait. Deep sea fishing rigs.