I would like to try my hand at sheepshead this weekend at the pier in Mt P. I’ve never caught any but I’ve never actually targeted them. I’ve sat back and watched folks fish for them the past couple of weekends (actually witnessed the fella that caught the 10lb 12oz sheepshead two weeks ago). I’m thinking of using clams unless I can find some fiddler crabs (don’t think that’s gonna happen). So my question is when should I go (tide wise)? Would the rain we got this week throw them off? Any tips? How far out on the pier?
I don’t know if the fiddlers are out and about at this time of year, but they are all over the place there at the pier. I’ve seen guys walk out into the grass/mud area just as you enter the actual pier structure (between the canteen/shop and the beginning of the water line) and poke around catching fiddlers.
As for how out on the pier, I can’t say for sure but I seldom see folks catch much out on the end.
Try clam oysters or whole mussels. Fish the back left side/corner of the peir. Good luck.
Sundance K16
higher tide is better out there… btw they def frown on you walking down in the marsh/under the pier out there. i wouldnt reccomend it
“mr keys”
Try clam oysters or whole mussels. Fish the back left side/corner of the peir. Good luck.
Sundance K16
you can buy fiddlers from Haddrell’s pt
High tide is your best bet. You should try and fish the last 2 of the incoming tide. Place your bait right up against the calm water side of the pile-on. Let your weight hit the bottom and reel it back up about 4-6 inches. Short leader or none at all. The longer the leader the more difficult to feel the bite. When you feel a nibble raise your rod tip until you feel pressure. The fish will take the bait, try and run with it and then you can set the hook. I HAVE HEARD the best bet is clams or oysters. I have seen people catch them on shrimp and fiddlers.
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
Thanks for the input guys. Now if this rain will just little up a bit so I can get out of the house.
if the sun comes out today there will be crabs in the grass, where its been dry from lower high tides. i have seen them out there for a month now. if only the fish knew this.
ALL GINKED UP
Finally got a sheepshead. Two actually. Neither hit the 14" limit so they went back to fight another day. Fished from about 1030 to 4 at the end of the pier on the left. Took me all day to figure out how to catch those. Caught both off a number 2 kahle hook, 65lb 6" power pro leader (left over from lining my surf rods). Started out with a half oz egg weight but found that wasn’t enough for the current. Moved to 1oz then 2oz until complete low tide then backed off to a 1oz. Came home cause I ran out of bait. I will have wayyyy more bait the next time I go out there. (next weekend, weather pending).
Fishing etiquette: when someone is getting bites and finally catch a fish, you don’t drop 8 rods within 12" of where ones bait hits the water straight down in front of them.
Well done! I always underestimate how many fiddlers to take with me when I go for sheeps. They rob me all day long and next thing you know the bucket is empty!
No kidding. I very rarely run out of bait. I wasn’t happy once it was all gone. It seems the bite was just picking up too. It was a very nice day to be on the water today. Forgot to say but some fella caught one that went almost 12lbs just up the pier.
Brad
Next Time. Use 1/0 mosquito hooks. No kidding! A whole pint of fiddlers, but a dozen live shrimp also are good backup. Try using 20# mono or flouro leader!
Good job at the peir though!
Hunter P. Hames
11’ Tarpon 100
19’ Sea Fox 125 merc
You went through a whole pint of fiddlers ???
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
I agree with Yakman those owners are the trick. Lighter line is more sensitive and a lot more fun. Try a rod with fast action tip. You will be able to feel them and use less bait. I prefer St Croix. Go get em!
Sundance K16