From mid-February to mid-May the lowcountry artificial reefs hold some monstrous Sheepshead. During this time of year the larger fish move to the reefs for a good food supply, slightly warmer waters and to spawn. Raising fish in the 6 to 12-pound range is quite common over the reefs this time of year. For the most part gearing up for these fish is quite similar in many ways as inshore with a few exceptions. Provided herein are a few pointers to assist getting on these larger fish.
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Weather – It is quite simple if it is not real nice do not even waste your time. It is hard enough to feel a Sheepshead bite on a calm day and nearly impossible on a rough day when the boat is bouncing all over the place.
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Structure – As most of us know from inshore experience Sheepshead are extremely structure oriented. From experience I can tell you if you are not right on the structure you are not right on the fish and will most likely come home empty handed. Since the artificial reef structures are public knowledge, with the coordinates and a GPS they are easily found. The GPS should be utilized to get you to the general area and good depth sounder will help you pinpoint the structure. Since most of our artificial reefs have been around for many years parts of them are deteriorated. A keen eye on the depth sounder for changes in relief will help you locate the larger part of the structure. Once you get on the structure you plan to fish, mark it with a marker buoy. An old Clorox bottle with some lightweight rope and a brick or sash weight works great. Check the depth and make sure the rope is just slightly longer so that it makes it to the bottom with out too much slack. Obviously too much slack will allow the bottle to drift and it will not be directly over the wreck. Once the marker buoy is set you can use it to determine current speed and direction. Pull the boat up current of the buoy and drop the anchor so you can drift back over the top of the structure. After contributing my fare share of Danforth anchors to the reef