By Capt. Jamie Thrappas, Yellow Dawg Fishing
January is the start to a new year and the start of the best sheepshead fishing you will see all year.
January through April is the target window for the big spawning fish. I’ve seen them caught over 12 lbs this time of the year. For the most success, structure is key and depth usually has to be 8 ft or so to find the big females. As far as bait goes I prefer fiddler crabs when they are available, but sand fleas always work as a close second. Sheepshead will also eat shrimp or blue crabs knuckles however I’ve also seen videos of people catching them on peas, blood worms, and beyond.
You want to use a short leader with just enough weight to touch the bottom. These fish will bite extremely light and many times you won’t even feel it!! There are also a ton of jig heads out there designed to catch these fish like bottom sweepers and football jigs. An effective way to get them fired up is by chumming up the water. However if you can find them schooled up you won’t need to get them going as you will quickly burn through a ton of bait.
I also catch a ton of good eating sized black drum in January with live shrimp and 1/4 blue crab being my go to for getting these fish in the boat. If you pick and choose your days you can easily have some great days to be had in January. I personally welcome the cooler weather as I know spring is right around the corner. As always give us a holler if you see us out there and if you want to get on the water give me a call!
