Finding Sheepshead - One thing I have found over the years is that you won't necessarily find sheepshead on every dock in the bay just because it happens to be the season. This is the same for any structure like rocks, oyster beds, or bridge pilings. Included would be the nearshore artificial reefs. If you don't get on a sheepshead in a few minutes you need to move. My plan of attack when inshore around structure is to just look - I idle by the structure slowly using my amber Flying Fisherman sunglasses to spot them. It may be a solid sighting of wide black and white strips or just a shadow, but I will usually be able to see them. When in a location where I can't see down because of cloudy water conditions or depth as on an nearshore reef I just spend a few minutes with a test cast. If I don't get a bite I move on.
Oh yeah! Size down on the tackle and bait, I use a number four Owner circle hook, a number four split shot sinker, and regular size shrimp, not selects.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Reelin & Chillin Charters Inc.
941-228-7802
www.charterfishingsarasota.com terry.frankford@verizon.net