Sheepshead are there for the taking if you have the know-how (see above) and patience. Figure 2-6. In 2020, the average size recreational sheepshead was 13 inches FL (Table 4). The weight of the split shots depends on the depth and current you’re fishing. A simple seasoning and ten minutes on the grill is all you need Your fish will be ready so quickly you will feel spoiled. 6 kg) (35 cm). Jump to page: Results 1 to 10 of 24 58Likes. You need a weighted fly that sinks and get's down to the bottom quick, yet light enough to not plop down noisily on the surface of the water. They have a long, cylindrical body shape and even can have stripes, but the stripes are. I would rather have my line break than have my hooks bend out. Split shots. Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth teeming with teeth. As far as size is concerned, the adults are typically around 19 inches long and two to five pounds. Hook Size for Sheepshead. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Bait for sheepshead is shrimp, but fiddler crabs, cracked blue crab, and gold spoons also work. One of the most popular hooks for sheepshead is the #10 treble hook, believe it or not. Marine@MyFWC. Length: 6’8″ – 7’6″; Power: Medium-Light to Heavy Rod Material: SCII Carbon; Guides: Aluminum-oxide; Handle: Full Cork Warranty: 5 year; Pros: Great value for the money; Premium sensitivity; Our choice for the best sheepshead rod under $200 is the Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod. The first is a Carolina rig with an egg sinker, a barrel swivel, a 12 to 18-inch leader of fluorocarbon, and a 3/0 hook with a live fiddler crab. Sheephead have a bunch of teeth, crushers, and a leathery mouth and lips, so sinking a hook requires considerable force, especially when fishing deeper than 100 feet. The overall size of the mouth for this species of fish is rather small. My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. 5-3. The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead's mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. However, the tip of the hook is at the same angle as the eye, so that even if you tie a knot directly to the eye, it will still effectively hook into a fish. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. . 5- to 3-ounce bank sinker keeps the rig on the bottom. Sizes go well beyond what is shown in these charts! The smallest commercially available hook size is a #32 and the largest is 27/0! Very small hooks used for Microfishing. Fishing hooks are made in different sizes for a reason – hooks of different shapes and sizes are required for. 5-3. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. Fishing for. Many fishermen like to hook their shrimp through the head. Click here to join us in the Insider Club: ma. I have had the most luck with a small treble hook - #10 or #11. 25 pounds. What size hooks for sheepshead? Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Minimum keeper size is 12 inches. Medium shank length, offset, easily inhaled by even a small sheepie. A two to four ounce sinker should be enough and hook size will often be determined by the mouth of the fish you chase. ”. A hook. Another popular alternative is to use a bare jig, ranging from 1/4 ounce for structure in 8 to 10 feet of water and moderate tidal flow up to 3 ounces for depths to 40. As far as size goes, the dime to nickel-sized fiddler crabs are best. As the aught (or “ought”) gets larger hook size also gets larger. “It takes that size to get a respectable fillet,” Newton said. The fish we are seeing up here in the northeast are wanderers, and the more food they find – as a general rule – the bigger they are going to get. Small hooks, such as a #1 to #2 hook size, are ideal, preventing the fish from stealing bait off the hook. You will get some perfect hook ups in the corner of the mouth and also some catches in the roof that can hold till you get the net under them. Size 6 to 8 hooks will work. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller. a 12 to 18-inch leader of fluorocarbon, and a 3/0 hook with a live fiddler crab. The size limit. The size is dependent on the bait size, but 1/0 works almost every time. Ignore these and wait until you detect a heavy feeling on the line. Soft baits for Sheepshead. The knocker is ideal for catching sheepshead on the bottom and around heavy structures. A size 1 to 2/O hook short shank should do the job. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. 75 posts · Joined 2011. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally bite them in half. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. Hook Strength: 1X strong. Finding Sheepshead. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. But the rewards are fine table fare, mainly because of their diet of. Larger sheepshead ate mollusks, crustaceans (crabs, etc), bottom worms and quite a bit of fish, mostly anchovies. 99 ($5. Also can use gold sabiki size hook for catching cigars -Split shot or small bass worm weight as slip weight above swivel -10-15 inch 12-20 lb Fluoro leader -flat blade shovel and mesh net for getting oysters off of structure -hammer and brick to smash. It is very hard for them to throw the. In my opinion Stainless, or Circle hooks are a waste of time SheepsHead fishing. The sweep of an 8-foot rod helps, as does a sharp hook and braided line. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. Use a Knocker Rig Close to Structure. Due to their small mouths and ample dentures, they can clean a hook in a split second. Hook size can be confusing because there is no industry standard for, say, a size 4 Mustad and a size 4 Eagle Claw. These smaller circle hooks allow for the smaller mouthed, sometimes undetectable hitting fish to frequently hook themselves. Begin with a two-foot piece of 80-pound test monofilament line and tie a Mustad # 3467 hook, size 4 or 6, to one end. latitude and non-stainless steel hooks are required. braided line. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. Sheepshead can be seen cruising the flats but are really more suited for life among rocks, pilings, oyster reefs and other hard surface structures. The Florida sheepshead minimum length. Lubricate tube with a light coat of veggie oil just before use. Anything too big will be hard for them to bite fully. Updated Georgia Sheepshead Regulation: 2020. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Daily Bag Limit: 8. 5 wt – This is your most common trout, all around fly fishing weight. 26kg). Using hooks that are too large can be too big actually to fit in their mouths. The cranka crab is lightweight, weighing in from 4 to 10 grams depending on the size you buy. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. In most cases, the line should be 10#–15# mono or braided. The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. No matter which bait you choose you will need to fish right next to the pilings or structure. What Size Hooks For Black Drum? The ideal hook size for fishing for Black Drum is a 3/0 which is about ¾” in diameter. For example, the hooks above are extremely small around size #26-#30, and used for Microfishing. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. Jig head weight varies based on depth and current, but a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce generally fits the sheepshead zone, while you may need to go as big as 1/2 for a stronger current. Mix in a blender: 1 cup beer. Circle Hooks: Reprint/Repost #1 or 1/0 are best. I'd rather miss a few smaller fish and land the good'ns me. The most important of all attributes is the hook’s sharpness. A standard rod and reel loaded with 12 to 20 pound test line will do when sheepshead fishing. SECTION 1. Be sure to go with a quality brand of hook, such as Gamakatsu or Owner, because you want a sharp and strong hook that’s able to easily penetrate the fish’s mouth. Hence, I prefer size 4/0 hooks in Reedy’s 187 suicide for their versatility. "My leader is usually less than six inches, a 3- to 6-inch leader. Remember how sheepshead and black drum feed: they use their teeth to crunch on barnacles and oysters. For jigs, use a short shank style hook with just enough weight to keep your bait down in the current. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Some anglers chum the area with crushed oysters or crabs before fishing. 1 to No. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. If you are targeting large Balck Drum, you can increase your leader size up to 40lb. The last step is to tie the hook on with a sturdy knot. My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. you can also mix it with strip of. Image of stick gear typically used in the California sheephead fishery with four hooks attached to a ground line along a piece of rebar with buoy attached. Long standing debate, which hooks are the best for catching Sheepshead? I prefer a stout hook. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]The average size is under a pound with the maximum being about 3-4 pounds. Pinching off the tail and threading a shrimp onto a hook or a light jig head is a better play, as it brings the hook point closer to a sheepshead’s mouth. Using a 7’ -7’6” medium-fast action rod, 15 – 20 LB test line, #1 ultra-sharp hooks and split shot will allow you to detect the light bite of the sheepshead, permit the fiddler crab to swim naturally and still give you the power needed to pull the fish to the boat. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. My go to rod for sheepshead the TFO Professional Series – particularly a 7’0 ( PRO S 704-1) or 6’ 6” M Mod-Fast ( PRO S 664-1) spinning rod paired with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000. The Sheepshead diet of shellfish gives the meat a similar. Sinker. 2. The new bag limit for sheepshead will be eight fish per person decreasing from 15 fish. Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. The best size hook for steelhead can vary depending on factors such as fish size, water conditions, and bait/lure selection. These fish live in rocks in approximately 60-200 feet of water and can live up to 20 years and reach a maximum size of around 30 - 40lbs. #4. A good size of hook for bass will usually be around 1/0 or 2/0 However, you can use smaller and larger hooks depending on the type of lure you want to use and your presentation. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells . Fresh from Florida. One of the best methods is with a sheepshead jig On the hook of the sheepshead jig, place a fiddler crab. 6 out of 5 stars 103 $9. Gigging is usually done at. In the numbered sizes, the largest commonly available size is #1. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. Use a dropper loop size 6 or 8 weights, use 1 or 2 live bait hooks remove the head but make sure keep the slimy portion of the shrimp and do not remove the shell so it will stay better in the hooks. “The new, single hook is both sharp and strong and will hold much bigger fish than. Tautog. 38. Tackle for Sheepshead. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Sheepshead can also live as long as 20 years which makes more sense for the giant maximum size of this fish. Sheepshead must be larger than 12" - measured from the tip. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. The barb of the hook will bury itself into the fish’s mouth. Hooks . It feeds on shellfish, octopuses, and a wide variety of fish. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. What size hooks for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Cudnik snells the hook to 25 inches of 50-pound fluorocarbon tied to a small, 230-pound-test swivel. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. saltyfishin95 Discussion starter. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. The knocker rig is similar to the Carolina rig. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. 850-487-0554. They can also get much larger than that. harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational. To offer up a quick summary of the basics of hook sizing, the most important thing to note is that the smaller the size of a hook, the larger the hook actually is. The graphic below. I usually use between a 1-4 oz sinker, depending on depth and current. These are a great choice when targeting sheepshead as it gets the bait to the bottom and the way it’s weighted is designed to keep the hook upright – which will increase your. Sheepshead are one of the most recognized fish in the ocean. The new library has more than 20,000 square feet, almost twice the size of the old one at the same location. For “smaller” treble hooks, this range will be from 20 to 1, with the size 20 hook being the smallest and the size 1 hook being the largest. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. I like to use about 18 inches with about a ¾ to ¼ ounce weight, depending on the current, to keep the line tight. My favorite rig to throw live or cut bait on is a Cobia Fish Finder Rig/Carolina rig. Size: Sheepshead are common at around 30 inches and 5 to 15 pounds. X-SMALL. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. Food Value: One of the absolute best. This allows you to work the water column right up against that structure. How to catch fiddler crabs - Roundup. Tsunami Carbon Shield II Spinning Rods are designed with Fuji K Guides with Fazlite inserts. 5 oz and 2 oz. Circle hooks work great for sheepshead. When it comes to comparing black drum and sheepshead fish, there’s a noticeable difference in size. Other fish look similar and can be confused with Sheepshead. Mussels. They did note that when sea grasses or algae were plentiful, that sheepshead will occasionally feed heavily on them. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. He’s picky about the size he uses for bait, so he catches his own. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers…. For most fishing applications, a #1 or #1/0 short shank live bait hook works best. The best hook size for Sheepshead is a #1 to #2, which is about ½ inch in diameter. Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: fishermen look for. Add to quote; Share Only show this user. Fiddler crabs are arguably the best bait for Sheepshead. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally. If you target sheepshead, then you need to have this rig in your arsenal. Use the Owner’s Mutu Light Circle hook (2/0 size) for the best results. . A light wire, ultra sharp circle hook should be placed at the bottom of a 12-16″ 20lb fluorocarbon leader. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. I like the 2/0 Owner Mosquito hooks when targeting sheepshead. sizes 2 – 2/0 hook; OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. To fish for sheepshead in Texas, all anglers are required to have a fishing license. # Preview Product Price; 1 : Hunting and Fishing Depot Fiddler Crab Sheepshead Jigs : $5. The average size for adults is between 10 and 20 inches in length, and around 3 to 4 pounds in weight. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. Almost all of my reels in the 3000 size class are spooled with 15lb Power Pro Super Slick. I bait them with shrimp, squid and bloodworms. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Fishing for sheepshead at night can be very effective! And…there are ways to get sheepshead without a hook and line, such as a gig or bow. It can reach a maximum size in nature of more than 14 kg and 90 cm, and an age of 20 years or more, but one as large as 66 kg has been. so a small hook is necessary. Gigging Sheepshead at Night. If its slack tide or a slow moving tide I use a smaller hook with two or three split shots about 6 to 10 inches above it. Saltwater Jig Heads and Freshwater Jig Heads that can be used on the flats, inlets, and open water. Mission Fishin weedless jig head; 34:15 – Pros and cons of the Texas Eye jig head. *If you want to order in quantities higher than what we have offered, please email us at info@hfdepot. This method works great fooling the sheepshead,the hook is buried in the head of the shrimp, just make sure the shrimp is small. Sheepshead an also be targeted on IGFA compliant fly fishing tackle (learn what you need to know regarding IGFA rules for fly fishing). The proper sinker size for Sheepshead ranges from ¼ ounce to 3 ounces depending on the depth being. Hanzlik’s Sheepshead 0. And although I discard the tail, the head can be great for catching big reds. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. Make the leader about 30 inches long and tie the hook directly to the leader but use a single swivel between the leader and reel line. It’s also one of the places some of larger ones are landed, with fish 14 to 17 inches not unusual. Bank sinker. Introduction Catching a sheepshead fish is not an easy task. sheepshead: [noun] a marine bony fish (Archosargus probatocephalus of the family Sparidae) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U. I think I am using the wrong hook. of 28 degrees N. Species: Striped Bass, Red Drum, Flounder, Sea Trout, Bluefish, Snook. " Skip to content. May 9, 2023 Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Their good vision is also a reason for using fluorocarbon leaders in the 10-15lb class, to further reduce the gear's profile in the water. Minimum size: 15″ minimum. You will get some perfect hook ups in the corner of the mouth and also some catches in. Always use small hooks in sizes 1, 2, or 4. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook For Sheepshead. . In this video, I bought some "Sheepshead Hooks" from Clearwater Bait & Tackle to see if they actually worked. The fish usually grows 10-20 inches long. Hooks When choosing a hook for catching sheepshead, consider the sharpness, size, and strength since sheepshead has very strong jaws and prominent teeth, they can easily destroy weaker and thinner hooks. If the hook point goes anywhere past. The same principle applies with other characteristics so you can have 1X fine, 1x heavy, 1x short and so on. As the. The smaller size is perfect for worms around 6 inches ,. I’ve been using a #1 Gamakatsu live bait hook (get it from Amazon here), but the size hook will depend on the size bait you use. If you use a 1/2″ chunk of cut bait (we used pinfish and ladyfish on this trip) and a 3/0 circle hook, then it’ll be much harder for the smaller snapper to get the bait and hook in their mouth. The sheepshead fish is an omnivore, meaning that it eats other animals as well as plants. Male Fiddler Crab. This homemade way for catching fiddler crabs involves a little bit of crafting. In between, the scale goes from #32 to #1 and then from 1/0 to 20/0. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. Instead, wait for a moment and let the fish fully take the bait before setting the hook by lifting your rod tip in a quick, firm motion. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. “To me they are the saltwater equivalent of a smallmouth bass,” he shared. Sheepshead have small mouths for their body size so a #2 or #4 hook will be all you need. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. Step #3: Put a split shot about 1′ up. The hook type and size will change with your style of fishing and individual needs, but for all-purpose inshore fishing you will find that a 1/0 kahle hook will serve your needs well. Sheepshead are a restricted species - which means they have both a legal size limit and a bag limit. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. Like the others said, don't set the hook. Hook: #1 or #2 hook. 37. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. 4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by sandbar Jul 25, 2012. Fax: 850-488-7152. He prefers a wide-gap circle hook, like the Mustad 39951, that he can dig a little deeper into the bait. What type of hook is best for sheepshead? The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. #3. This is particularly effective when you’re anchored off next to a barnacle-covered bridge piling. Many anglers fish next to a piling. monofilament rigs for porgy fish like sheepies. A very small piece of split shot (1/16 or 1/32 ounce) on your line will keep it slightly down in the water column as it drifts. For this rig, you are inserting the hook through the head of the shrimp. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore. For example, the hooks above are extremely small around size #26-#30, and used for Microfishing. One of the best sheepshead lures is sheepshead jigs These football jigs, paired with an octopus hook, is the perfect lure for successfully catching sheepshead. J-Hooks are best suited for the sheepshead’s mouth and smaller hooks work best, with #1 being the most popular size. Constant pressure is the ticket. After the first cut is done, you would have to go on for the second cut. Furthermore, we try to keep these flies streamline, simple, and. weight 18 inches below them with Shrimp or fiddler crabs and you will dramatically improve the hook-up rate for Sheepshead. 8756 Views 36 Replies 16 Participants Last post by tcain24, Jun 29, 2009. Let them hook themselves. One of the most popular ways to catch sheepshead is with a carolina rig The Carolina rig is also known as the sliding sinker rig because it consists of an egg sinker that can slide up and down the line. You want to use enough weight so your hook just makes contact with the bottom. As for croaker fishing rigs, Jeff likes to use a two-hook rig with size 6 or 8 hooks. I use Owner Mosquito hooks in No. The require patients and a sensitive rod/line combo. So, 2/0 hooks are typically ideal for 2-3 inch baits. As long as the size of the bait matches the size of your hook and can pull in the fish you are targeting you should be good! In this video, I bought some "Sheepshead Hooks" from Clearwater Bait & Tackle to see if they actually worked. That first day was all the proof I needed to realize the size of some of the Sheepshead that roam the Offshore Reefs in Coastal Georgia. 6 kg) (35 cm). A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. Fluorocarbon line also handles the abrasion better than monofilament. What hook size should you use with fiddlers for the convicts-big or small?1. A live bait hook, aberdeen hook or octopus hook have long shanks that are a great fit for live worms. To bleed them, all you need to do is cut the artery that runs along the bottom of the area between their gills. When saltwater fishing recreationally with hook and line gear on the Gulf of Mexico’s reef, fishing regulations require that you use de-hooking equipment. Hook Size Chart. 1 or 1/0 hook and a No. The size limit is a crucial regulation that ensures the harvesting of only mature sheepshead while younger ones have the opportunity to grow and reproduce. What size hooks for sheepshead? Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. If there’s no blood, then try again a little higher. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. Attach the elbows to your poles, cut out holes in the bin, and start catching. Carefully cast it. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. The sheepshead has a maximum known lifespan of at least 20 years, with maturity normally occurring at 2 years of age. The minimum size limit for sheepshead is 10 inches fork length, which is measured from the fork in the tail to the tip of the snout. Take the hook point and insert it in between the bottom two legs of the crab. bullet weight and a 1/0 octopus inline hook. Hook the shrimp through the head when casting or trolling. Quarter-size blue crabs on the hook work very well. To maximize summer flounder survivability, use a 3/0 or larger hook and be prepared to release undersized fish (pliers, wet rag, and a ruler). The best way to catch sheepshead recreationally is to use hook and line tackle, and this species is also becoming more popular to spear fishermen. Let’s go over the gear for targeting sheepshead. Rebel Lures #2 Micro Critter Tackle – Top Barbless Trout Lure. Go heavy with 20-25 lb. Some anglers swear by using red hooks exclusively. Lastly, the 1/0 is great with larger 4-6″ minnows used to target Pike and Bass. Line: 15 lb braid (Preferably UltraCast Invisi-Braid) Leader: 18" of 20-25lb fluorocarbon. Randy’s tactic of choice for sheepshead is is fishing with fiddler crabs on a jig head. Often, the crabs will be knocked off the rocks. Soft baits are the best artificial choice for Sheepshead, because they simply imitate what you would normally put on a hook in terms of live bait. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. Spinconn - go to the ole YouTube !!! tons of sheepshead fishing tutorials there. Use a 2/0 or 3/0 hook tied to a 20 to 30 pound monofilament leader line. Pros of the Bottom Sweeper Jigs. Size: Can grow to 76 cm (30 in), but commonly reaches 30 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in). Sheepshead fish are a very boney They possess sharp dorsal and anal fins that are strong and sharp spines. Attach one end to the swivel. To catch fiddler crabs, you can rummage around a local tidal marsh with a bucket and a quick hand. Use 1/0 or 2/0 Stand-out drop shot hooks (I use 2 about 12” apart) and a 1/2 to 3 oz. This kit come with the large nozzle (5/8") Bait Injector. If I'm fishing for bigger sheepshead I'll go up to a 2/0 hook. What type of hook is best for sheepshead? Sheepshead: The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. Take the tag end of the leader line and tie a non-slip loop knot. Sheepshead fishing around bridge pylons in the main channel can yield some of the strongest currents and require heavier weights; fishing around docks farther inshore is less severe on currents,. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. 99 $ 9 .