Alright, everybody just settle down!*
*HSM, 2011 p.275
Yes, sheepshead can be caught on circle hooks. Here’s a picture of an eleven pounder caught at the Winyah Jetties. Granted, the fish is being pushed towards the camera to make it look bigger, but this grossburger was in fact caught on a #2 circle hook. It was kept also!!
For those really interested, read “The Natural History and Fishing Techniques for Sheepshead in South Carolina” by Dr. Charlie Wenner and John Archambault. It is an educational report,#23, published by the SCDNR. It states that studies show that all sheepshead 14" or greater are sexually mature and can reproduce. Some become active at a smaller size, but at 14" all the males and females are mature. So, I think a 14" minimum would be a great starting point. I prefer slot limits, but we all know that this fish just gets fatter and thicker, rather than longer. I would like to see a way to protect those big, older fish, but I’m not sure how. Maybe out of the bag limit, only three fish could exceed 24" or something like that. I think the 20 per person creel is fine since there really isn’t much pressure on these fish if you look at the big picture. Most people are after whatever bites a live mud minnow, shrimp, or mullet. Not many people take the time to dedicate themselves to targeting sheepshead. Not to mention that the Charleston area has so many man-made reefs for them that are off-limits to fishing. Think of the bridge structures, the port docks, and most importantly, the old navy base in the Cooper River. Just my 2cents and a bump to the thread for Fritzie.
“The problem that infuriates you the most is the one you are meant to solve.”
Spadefish are LONG over-do for this as well. A summer long fishery is about 2-3weeks now with the sapdes…at least the way the fishery is supposed to be it should last all summer, but doesnt anymore. SPent many days tagging them with the DNR and you used to have the same banner fishing in august you had in june
correct me if I am wrong but current sheep/spade regs are based on federal law or the state law is mimicking fed?
Slot limits have been proven to work wonders for fisheries.
Look no further than the Redfish here, the Snook in Florida, and the Sturgeon in the Northwest.
All three species were on the edge of collapse, and all have returned in numbers that are healthy and vibrant.
Additionally, all three are readily targetted by fishermen, and provide enough slot level fish to those who target them for the table.
Besides, the big breeders of any species, have flesh that is less desireable.
As for the comment about the Gulf of Mexico fisheries, one only has to look at the size of the catches in the 70’s, in size and numbers of fish, and compare them to those now, and you can see that the quality is way down from then, because of over fishing pressures.
The size of Sheepshead being caught now in the coastal waters of South Carolina show this same trend. Fewer and smaller fish. That alone is a warning sign that something needs to be done.
12" limit. 10 creel (or maybe less). I would prefer smaller size and lower creel if a compromise were needed. Remember that not everyone fillet’s their fish. A 12" (or even 10") fish has enough meat for one person for a meal if cooked whole.
We try to use all parts of the fish we kill, either cooking whole or using the head and spine for fish stock when filleted.
I still think the main reason we have seen no changes on the sheeps and spades from state dnr is due to difficulty in bucking the federal limits.Just my guess though and what I have been told by close sources. Scarey to think though if nothing does change, the winter/spring reef fishery for sheeps could follow suit of the ARS and bottom closures. After all, those reef fish represent a major portion of our breeding stock in the lowcountry that time of year.
jets are cool, broseph. i apologize for lecturing.
let’s keep talkin fishin. i can “cite” peer-reviewed, published literature if you like.
Don’t stop! Its like angler Shakespeare! You are a knowledgable angler/conservationist who cares. Your insite is always enlightening, accurate and valuable. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Good points by very many folks, especially the “why do we have to wait until they’re in crisis before we act” mentality. I feel if there was more of that amongst anglers there would be less need and DESIRE for heavy restrictions in general.
Policing ourselves, like we hopefully will do successfully with trout, and sensible management will benefit us all going forward. I feel anyway. Beats a politician getting his/her picture in the paper “saving” something.
Vinman
19.5 Triumph, 115 HP Honda
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
Yes, it doesn’t necessarily need to be super-restrictive though. Reasonable size limits to protect the primary breeders and small fish. And maybe a limit of 10 per person per day. I don’t think we should wait until a problem exists to impose sensible limits. To use an analogy: In Atlanta, the governing authorities tend to wait until we are in a drought before imposing outdoor watering restrictions. As if they had no idea that we would have a long, hot, dry summer…duh. It seems like it would be way better to have sensible restrictions in place year-round.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
I still think the main reason we have seen no changes on the sheeps and spades from state dnr is due to difficulty in bucking the federal limits.Just my guess though and what I have been told by close sources. Scarey to think though if nothing does change, the winter/spring reef fishery for sheeps could follow suit of the ARS and bottom closures. After all, those reef fish represent a major portion of our breeding stock in the lowcountry that time of year.
Maybe they shouldnt have spent so much stocking the elusive spot tailed drum bass.
With the coastal population growth, regs must change as well, or the species will suffer too much pressure. I look at the red drum as the model for sensible conservation. My hope is that my boys will have an abundance of fish to enjoy in their future, but also be able to keep a couple for dinner. If you have ever traveled to a place like northern Quebec where there are lakes still “like it used to be”, you can appreciate the abundance of fish that is possible. I support upper limits on all fish to ensure brood stock.
SlackLine, unfortunately I think the DNR would refer you to the economic benefits of the red drum as to why they are the primary “stocking” fish. If you have lived here for 15-20 years you would recognize that redfish were not near as plentiful back then. Proof that slot limits and the stocking works. Not arguing with ya, you just have to look at both sides
A good source with DNR has however told me they are working on the reproduction and stocking of spotted sea trout as we speak…hope it works!
SlackLine, unfortunately I think the DNR would refer you to the economic benefits of the red drum as to why they are the primary “stocking” fish. If you have lived here for 15-20 years you would recognize that redfish were not near as plentiful back then. Proof that slot limits and the stocking works. Not arguing with ya, you just have to look at both sides
A good source with DNR has however told me they are working on the reproduction and stocking of spotted sea trout as we speak…hope it works!
Had the good pleasure of touring the Ft. Johnson DNR facility a few weeks ago and seeing those brood stock trout. And YES! It is working! It may take awhile (and $$$$) but my guess is that program will grow and be a successful contributor to our waters. I just hope we have a few “normal” winters to help them out.
Vinman
19.5 Triumph, 115 HP Honda
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
