In February, when snook are too cold to actively feed, strong winds reduce offshore trips and trout and redfish abandon the flats, sheepshead can fulfill your fishing fix.
Though many species run and hide during cold and blustery days, sheepshead often thrive. And notorious bait thieves though they are, there are techniques to help even the playing field.
Get over the temptation to set the hook. By the time you feel the bite and rear back, you've likely been picked clean and will be mumbling to yourself as you thread on another mussel. In shallow water when only a split shot of weight is needed, a sheepshead bite may be detected by observing just the slightest movement.
Saturday, we had a few up to 5 pounds among the 30-some we caught. A 2-ounce weight was required to get down 27 feet along the edge of the channel near Port Tampa. Almost all were caught by anticipating the bite. Bumping the bottom, slowly raising the rod tip a foot, then gently easing it back down is most productive. A sudden jerk might spook a fish that may be looking your bait over. A gentler approach will keep the attention of a slow eater or an unsuspecting one that may be just holding on to the bait. Tiny, short shank hooks are difficult to remove. I prefer a No. 1 J hook, and many I know enjoy great success on circle hooks as well.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
