Where To Catch BIG Sheepshead In Early Summer
- By: Evan Jacobs
- on
It is that time of the year to head out and catch BIG sheepshead in early summer!!
Temperatures are climbing, the crabs are out, and baitfish is everywhere – summer is coming!
I met up with local YouTuber Erin Weaver (finsandfossils) in search of some bites next to nearby docks.
Take a look at the full trip below!!
Catch BIG Sheepshead In Early Summer [VIDEO]
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Setup Used:
- Rod: Fenwick HMG 7’2 Medium Fast Rod
- Reel: Penn Clash II
- Jig head: 1/2 oz Jawbreaker Jig (Travis Harrison from @43_2fishing on Instagram)
- Main Line: 30 lb Berkley x9 Braid (or 20lb PowerPro Braid)
- Leader Line: 20lb Ande Monofilament
Once we got close to the docks, we started out using mud crabs on a 1/2-ounce jighead.
It didn’t take long at all to get a bite!!
But that didn’t last long…
Erin caught a few small fish after the first one I caught and then the tides changed so we moved to a different set of docks.
We got plenty of bites once we moved.
A giant sheepshead was screaming drag off my spool and I thought I had it wrapped around the dock pilings.
But, I was able to pull it out and stick with it.
Major Takeaway
The major takeaway from this trip was to target shaded areas.
Every fish I caught on this trip was below a shaded dock.
Water temperatures are rising and the fish are slowing down just a bit.
I did not get any attention from any fish in the sunny areas.
Try to target docks with deepwater and shade so the fish can find stable conditions to feed.
Tackle & Gear
I tend to use 30lb braid for sheepshead fishing because of how close I fish to the docks and pilings.
Break-offs will happen when fishing this close to structure so it is a good idea to bump up your line.
I also use a Medium or Medium-Heavy rod paired with a 2500-sized reel to make sure you have enough power to get the fish out of structure.
Finding the feeding fish is ultimately the ticket to your success.
Finding The Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
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Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Love how hard they fight! And taste!
Can you tell us a little more about what tides you like and what depth docks you’re looking to fish and do you have better luck on the pilings closest to the shoreline or outer pilings? I live on a shallow inlet (Hog Inlet, SC) with lots of riprap walls and docks but few are more than 2-3ft deep at low tide and 5-8ft. at high tide. Never see anyone sheephead fishing here, wonder if they are there?