Captain Judy Helmey
Miss Judy Charters
'Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956!'
124 Palmetto Drive
Savannah, Georgia 31410
912 897 4921 or 912 897 3460 fax
www.missjudycharters.com
September 15, 2008
Happy Fish Day!
Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and 'Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy
Summer Time Sheepshead Affair
Notes and Suggestion Straight from Captain Judy
For those inshore fishermen out there that want to get a great strong catching thrill now is the time to step outside the box! This is one fish that won't let you down when it comes to a strong pull. Not only that to target and catch them you need to do a little planning that is if you want to succeed. After all this is the fish that is known for striking so fast that is can 'suck the insides out of a fiddler crab within even pulling it off your hook!'
When my elders told me this I certainly didn't believe it for sure. That's until it happened to me. With this being said and if you aren't privy to this information you could find yourself fishing with very ineffective bait. This is one reason why you need to check your bait often. I remember the one time where my fiddler crab was still on the hook every time I checked. After a very close observation I found that all I had left on the hook was an empty fiddler shell with insides completely missing.
Sheepshead Quest
Where to fish during hot times for the allusive sheepshead and tackle needed to get the job done. You might not believe in this suggestion, that's unless you try it!
Bridges as well as any sort of structure that offers vertical feeding are great spots for this fish to hang and feed at will. When dealing with vertical structure you as well as the fish know that there is a lot of feeding opportunity. It's best to fish areas like this 11/2-hour before low tide till about 11/2 hour after it turns to incoming. The secret is fish will hold and feed as long as there isn't too much current. Small fish (bait) and crabs will also stay around feeding, which is why the large fish are there in the first place. These areas are great spots to target sheepshead.
The best bait is going to be purple back fiddler. However, if that's not available go with small pieces of shrimp. Some fishermen swear that small live shrimp also work. After all shrimp are also wrapped in a shell. Not only that, but baby 'hard backs' (that what I call them.) hang around oysters, barnacles, and things that are attached. Apparently these are food sources for 'hard backs.' Sheepshead head feed here so anything on and around attached area is definitely on their list of things to munch on!
Barnacles found right there on the exposed structure (up right pillars on a bridge or structure) and attach mussels are also great bait. You can put them right on the hook. These work great as bait. Always have something on board that you can scrape off the barnacles with. This is the greatest form of chumming for sheepshead head.
How this fish eats..
The sheepshead when feeding doesn't move a lot. They pull the bait into their mouth, crunch it, suck it clean, and then move away after spitting out the unwanted remains. This is the main reason it's hard to feel them bite. They are quick on the feeding job! I like holding my main line just so that I can feel any down under movement. It's a fisherman nature to want to 'set that hook.' However, when it comes to the sheepshead 'raising of the hook' is the best way to go. Believe once you have mastered 'the set right before the bite' you will hook up every time.
Since this fish sucks in the bait, before you know it, this is the initial silent warming that you feel. The bottom line is raising your rod at this time will get your 'hook set most of the time.' However, you could find yourself holding your line with an empty hook. It takes time to master this bite. However, when you do you will get it for sure!
Old time sheepshead fish catching a technique that works'you don't have to tell anyone that you tried it.
Sheepshead Jerking!
Take a sturdy rod'.In the old days it was a sturdy cane pole and attach a length of wire to the tip of the pole or rod'the length of the wire is determine by the length of the rod used. I suggest using 30 to 40 pound test single strand wire. One end is attached to the end of the rod/pole and the end catching the fish you attach the hook with a haywire twist. You will need to add one or a couple of split shots about 12 inches above the hook. (For better bait stability) I suggest using a small 'J' style hook #6 or #4. You can also use a Kale Hook, but it needs to be sturdy not easily bendable. #12 #14'the only problem with these hooks is that they will bend easily, because they are 'thinned tinned.' 'And if you are using this type of set up pole and wire there is no room for play. There is no drag, because there is no reel involved. I call this Sheepshead Jerking at it's finest!
The best way to work this set up is to situate your boat right by the upright structure. You need to situate about the length of the pole used away. Place the hook used into one of the fiddler leg sockets or hide the point on the hook in the bait used and ease your bait down right by the piling moving it slowly down and then up. This is just about went you will get that hit'you need to take extra wire, hooks, and a big dip net. This set up works quite well with trying to catch a sheepshead. Another thing that it catches is you, because you can hooked just doing it!
For those that want to 'fish with a standard sheepshead set up' here's the recipe..
Braided main line 15 to 30 pounds or 20 pound test monofilament loaded on a spinner reel or open face. Either main line will work. Slide on the main line an egg sinker that you feel will keep your main line vertical with structure'I like having in my tackle box ', ', and ' ounce egg sinkers. You can always add extra or take away. After the egg sinker I tie on a small swivel #10 (30 lb) to #7 (75 lb) swivel. To the swivel I tie on a 12 to 15-inch piece of fluorocarbon clear leader material. For those that don't want to use fluorocarbon go with monofilament, but check it for nicks every time you land a fish.
The best way to check for 'nicks' in your leader is to pull it through 'pinched fingers.' If you feel any 'nicks or abrasions' I suggest changing it before using it again. Or you could loose you next hooked up fish.
You can now tie on your hook of choice. Since you are going to be using a rod and reel your hook doesn't have to be as strong as it does for the 'Old Time Pole Set Up.' Number #4 and #6 'J' hooks work well. Another good hook to use is the Kale Hook #8, #10, and/or #12. Any size just as long as it not too over powering for bait used. You want the fish to see the bait first not the hook!
Another suggestion is to always have an assortment of split shots in your tackle box. If you know you have a bite but can't seem to keep the bait in the strike zone long enough you can add a couple or one split shot above the hook and this always helps to stabilize the bait. Whatever you do don't forget your dip net, because you are probably going to need it!