Sheepshead are stacked inside the residential canals closest to the beach, passes leading to the gulf and areas of rock bottom just off the beach. Most of the fish will be breeders between 3 and 10 pounds. Fresh clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp rigged to 20-pound test, 30-pound leader and a No.1 hook will work in most spots.

Cut your bait into small pieces and toss a few handfuls around the pilings. When the tide is moving, use enough weight to hold it in place.

As the tide slacks, start free-lining. Remove all weights and cast upcurrent. When the line starts to move, reel until it gets tight before setting the hook.

The rock piles along the beach hold the biggest fish. The easiest way to find big sheepshead is to dive the spot beforehand. Most spots are shallower than 20 feet and can be scouted with a mask and snorkel.

Chum each spot using a small bag full of diced bait. Place the chum and weight on your grouper rod. Tape the bag tightly above the weight. Drop the bag to the rocks and jig. The weight will rip the bag and dump the chum.

The bigger fish are full of roe and should be released. These are the breeders that restock our waters every year.

-- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

Back to Sports

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times sports desk

Rays

Young pitcher grows from missed chance

Hall committed to maintaining same attitude

Lightning

Lecavalier's ankle doesn't respond

New GM won't be in a hurry

Olympics

The Great Ones

Olympic memories not just about medals

Patriotism comes to the forefront

Bobsled win elates '68 medalist

U.S. eclipses Nagano performance

NBC pulls back on pro-USA coverage

Drug tests strip two of medals

Another day, another story from French judge

Sports Etc.

Second win isn't easy for Kenseth

Top U.S. Laser sailors finish 1-2 in Midwinters

Bulldogs' hotshot sinks UF

Daily fishing report

From the wire

From the state sports wire Jacksonville's Spicer placed on IR after leg surgery
FIU-Western Kentucky game postponed because of Jeanne
Brown anxious to face old team for first time
Dolphins' desperate defense readies for Roethlisberger
Former Sarasota lineman sheds tough-guy image with Michigan
Rothstein rejoins Heat as assistant
No. 16 Florida has history on its side against Kentucky
FSU and Clemson QBs both off to slow starts