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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 25, 2002
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.