By: Capt. Dave Stephens
Here we are in 2026, Happy New Year! What is the most frequent asked question I have been asked? It’s been about have you been catching sheephead, therefore, that will be the topic of this article. 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. The positive thing about spawning fish is that it brings many of them together, making targeting them much easier. Sheephead 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 fish, I would gladly share it, however, I honestly believe it is being in the right place, right time fishery. I’m going to help you out with the places, however, you will have to figure out the best times. These fish are crustacean eaters, which makes them a light biting fish as they do not have to attack or ambush their meal. They live around and feed on crusty dock pilings, rock seawalls, and areas with hard bottom. Some of the best baits are shrimp, fiddler crabs, and sand fleas. The trick is to down size your tackle, but stay in contact with the bottom. These fish are not going to chase down their dinner, and I like using a small circle hook weighted down to make contact with the bottom, seems to do the trick. The reason why these fish are such great bait thieves is they spend their whole life feeding on sharp objects, just trying to get the good stuff from the middle and when they feel your hook, they discard it like a piece of shell.
As the waters continue to cool down, sheepshead should be even more plentiful. If these fish are on your target list, now is the time get out there and support your local tackle shops, get a bucket of shrimp, and try to tame the best bait thieves!
Capt. Dave Stephens
941-916-5769
www.backbayxtremes.com