Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By DOUG HEMMER
Published November 29, 2006

What's hot: When the water drops into the 60s, look for the sheepshead to stack up around the bridges, docks and artificial reefs in the bay. These schools are working their way from the bay to the beach area for the winter spawn. The first places to look are docks and bridges closest to the beach. They hang in these spots through January, then push into the near-shore structures. This is when you will have a shot at a few 6- to 8-pound sheepshead.

Tactics: First, scout the bridges and docks. Drift or idle close enough to see if sheepshead are feeding on the barnacles. Don't fish if you don't see them. When you locate a school, chum the area with diced shrimp. Free-line or use a small weight that puts a chunk of shrimp close to where they are feeding on the chum. Don't set the hook until your line moves.

Tackle: Use a lightweight rod so you can feel the strikes. Rig the rods with 15- to 20-pound test. Use a 20-pound leader and a 1/0 hook. Strait shank or circle hooks work great, but you need to snap the rod tip to set the strait shank hooks. With the circle hooks you just have to start reeling to set the hook.

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

[Last modified November 29, 2006, 00:02:38]