By Capt. Dave Stephens
Iwant to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
Well, folks, the most frequently asked question I have been dealing with is? It’s been about half. Have you been catching sheep heads? That will be our topic.
During the winter, or should I say cooler months here in southwest Florida, we have a jail break. This is the time of year when these black-and-white-striped bait thieves spawn. What is the positive thing about spawning fish? Well, it brings them together, making targeting them much easier. Sheep heads are known far and wide for their ability to steal an angler’s bait without the slightest acknowledgment. If I knew the secret to catching more of these guys, I would gladly share it. However, I honestly believe it is the right place, right time fishery.
I’m going to help you out with the places, the times, well, that’s on you. These guys are crustacean eaters, which makes them a light-biting fish; they do not have to attack or ambush their meal. They live around and feed on crusty dock pilings, rock seawalls, and hard-bottom areas. Some of the best baits are shrimp, fiddler crabs and sand fleas. The trick is to downsize your tackle while staying in contact with the bottom. These guys are not going to chase down their dinner. So, using a small circle hook weighted down to make contact with the bottom is the trick.
The reason why these guys are such great bait thieves is that they spend their whole life feeding on sharp objects, just trying to get the good stuff from the middle. So, when they feel your hook, they discard it like a piece of shell. As the water continues to cool down, these guys should be even more plentiful.
So, get out there and support your local tackle shops. Get you a bucket of shrimp and try to tame the best bait thief on the harbor.
— Capt. Dave Stephens | 941-916-5769 | www.backbayxtremes.com
