Have you taken the sheepshead survey? If not go to the home page, click on the link and take it. Read some threads on the sheepshead meetings on CF but didn’t see why the DNR is having the meetings next week until I read;
South Carolina’s sheepshead fishery has been managed as a federal fishery since 1983. As such, recreational and commercial harvest of sheepshead in SC coastal and inshore waters has been restricted to a maximum of 20 fish per person per day with no minimum length limit restriction. Recent action by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will likely remove sheepshead from federal management by January 1, 2012, and turn management entirely over to the respective states.
I agree, 10 is plenty and 12" is not unreasonable. Not that I think they are endangered at this point, but with the popularity they have gained in recent years, I think management is prudent.
The exact status and health of sheepshead populations in South Carolinas coastal waters is
uncertain at this time. The species is managed in federal waters (3 to 200 miles offshore) along
the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina through Florida as part of the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Councils (SAFMC) Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Unit, in accordance
with the SAFMCs Snapper Grouper Management Plan (SAFMC 2005). Federal recreational
harvest limits of a maximum of 20 fish per person per day, with no minimum size limit, are
enforceable in South Carolina waters in accordance with current state law, but no separate state
recreational creel or size limits apply.
While sheepshead are targeted commercially to a limited degree in some areas, this species is
typically recognized for its popularity among recreational anglers in coastal waters along the
mid-Atlantic through Gulf of Mexico. In creel/angler surveys conducted by the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) of saltwater recreational fishermen encountered at
boat landings, sheepshead is the fifth most sought after species mentioned and ranks fourth in
occurrence in the creels examined among this group (SC SRFSS data, 1991 through 2004)
If the status is uncertain then it is time for a stock assessment.
Our tradition is that of the first man who sneaked away to the creek when the tribe did not really need fish.
14" 5 per person. With the popularity this species has gained over the past 5-10 yrs, IMO this would be a huge step towards maintaining a valuable resource. With recent bottom fishing closures on other species, I see the sheeps getting hammered 3 times as hard in the colder months, esp on the reefs where many are spawning. Keeping 50 fish is just really not necessary, use your livewell and cull if you need to! just IMO. 10 per person with a max of 20 per boat may help ‘solo’ anglers still bring home some fillets. Fished this species for well over 20 yrs, and while the fishery still seems sustainable, it has not been what it used to be by any means. Same with spades, but thats a whole 'nother thread:smiley:
HPT has some of the surveys on the counter if anyone would like to fill one out while stopping by or if you are in the area. Great to see so many anglers at least voicing their concern no matter what your feelings are on it. Be involved!
I completed the survey, and I added the comment that a 14, or 15" minimum size would be convenient sizes to keep up with; the same as either redfish or speckled trout. IMO, there’s not enough meat on a 12" sheepshead to justify killing it.
