They are primarily site feeders and will shy away from a hook. The sinker attaches to the leader just above the hook. Other fish look similar and can be confused with Sheepshead. For bait use fiddler crabs of small live shrimp. Use at least a 3500 series reel. You will only need a few basic fishing items in order to make a reliable sheepshead rig, and these things include: some 15 pound test fluorocarbon line; a 1 ½ ounce egg sinker (or similar size) a barrel swivel; a red plastic bead; and a hook (try 2/0 size)Texas Sheepshead State Record The record sheepshead for Texas was caught on October 17, 2002. This will ensure you get the cleanest fillets and kill the fish quickly and humanely. If you have one rod/reel for trout fishing it needs to be a 5 wt. Red Bead, Size 5 Sinker Slide, 3 Oz. 8756 Views 36 Replies 16 Participants Last post by tcain24, Jun 29, 2009. Spawning sheepshead will mill around the structure, mostly staying up current of it. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. These tiny rocky structures, just millimetres in size, are called otoliths, or ear stones. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook For Sheepshead. How to Fish for Sheepshead with a Light Wire Circle Hook. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Furthermore, we try to keep these flies streamline, simple, and. X-SMALL. 5-3. When a sheepshead is holding over a deeper structure, you may not feel comfortable dropping right into their fortress. The same principle applies with other characteristics so you can have 1X fine, 1x heavy, 1x short and so on. and they bite very light so its hard to tell sometimes when they hit. The hook-set needs to be swift. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. The graphic below. Sheepshead Cut Bait For Flatheads. 5-2. # Preview Product Price; 1 : Hunting and Fishing Depot Fiddler Crab Sheepshead Jigs : $5. Sheepshead fishing requires medium size, strong and short-shanked hooks. Other circular style hooks can work equally well. “It takes that size to get a respectable fillet,” Newton said. A stout steel No. This allows you to work the water column right up against that structure. For pier fishing targeting sheepshead, opt for sizes 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks or J-hooks. Spinconn - go to the ole YouTube !!! tons of sheepshead fishing tutorials there. 00:00:00. Skyline Fishing Company offers a huge selection of jig head styles, weight options and hook choices featuring Black Nickel Hooks, Long Shank Hooks and Short Shank Hook choices on our jig heads. Lastly, the hookup sheepshead jig mold can be fished with virtually any soft plastic or using natural baits, live dead or cut. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. Knocker Rig. You can use a number of different bait like fiddler crabs, mud crabs, shrimp, fresh clams, and even sand fleas. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. Fiddler Crabs as Sheepshead Bait; How to rig Fiddler Crabs; 2. Mussels. The best size hook for steelhead can vary depending on factors such as fish size, water conditions, and bait/lure selection. Of course, if you are using crab an exposed hook is not much of a concern because it looks like another leg sticking out. 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. This size hook is small enough to get into the Sheepshead mouth, but big enough to not snap when a big girl hits. Hook Size for Sheepshead. By far, my favorite flounder hook is a simple weighted jig head. 1 size for most of my fish. . Sheepshead fish are a very boney They possess sharp dorsal and anal fins that are strong and sharp spines. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. For fishing with crankbaits, treble hooks are typically used. Hence, I prefer size 4/0 hooks in Reedy’s 187 suicide for their versatility. “The new, single hook is both sharp and strong and will hold much bigger fish than. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. 4 X Strong Hook. Sheepshead can be found offshore around recks and structure at all times of the year but become very prevalent around the colder months. Another thing to keep in mind with these baits is that fresh is best. How to fish bridges for sheepshead. Tackle for Sheepshead. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. Sheepshead ( Archosargus probatocephalus), of the family Sparidae, is an excellent food fish that ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Brazil in mainland coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs. The general consensus seems to be a 1/0 or 2/0 semi-circle or sheepshead hook. Carolina rig is a slip lead rig; for sheepshead, a 12-18 inches rig is required with a J hook. Small crankbaits are also inviting to Sheepshead as they make movement and sounds. 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. See moreAnglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Hooks should be small because sheepshead have relatively small mouths. Flip the baited hook into this area and allow it to be carried about by the current. Carolina rig: one-ounce egg sinker on running line tied to swivel; 12- to 18-inch, 40-pound leader running from swivel to hook;. Line: 15 lb braid (Preferably UltraCast Invisi-Braid) Leader: 18" of 20-25lb fluorocarbon. Leader material. A standard rod and reel loaded with 12 to 20 pound test line will do when sheepshead fishing. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]The rig is very simple and consists of your split shot weights and a hook. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Cons: It takes a long time to tie. buy 1-2 lb of shrimp. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. However, sheepshead don’t only have large teeth—they also have large lips, which represent a great target for your hook tips. 38. Soft baits for Sheepshead. . I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. What size hooks for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. ”. They have a long, cylindrical body shape and even can have stripes, but the stripes are. The number 6 hooks equally well but you'll go through a bunch of them as the. Hook Size Chart. Anything too big will be hard for them to bite fully. Long leaders aren’t recommended because sheepshead bite so gently that you won’t even be able to feel them. 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 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. The circular shape of these hooks will provide better hookups while the small size allows them to fit inside the small mouths of sheepshead. As far as size goes, the dime to nickel-sized fiddler crabs are best. that has broad front teeth and is used for food. as they said - - - down slowly then back up slowly about 3 to 4' at a time. 4 hook. Make sure your weights is all the way down and not slacking then the waiting game begins. An important part of a successful Sheepshead rig is the hook, they can be tricky to hook with an improper hook due to their unique teeth. 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. A 2X long hook in a size #4 would be as long as a standard hook in #2 and so on. In her kayak, Emily Rose. Best Lures for Sheepshead. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Constant pressure is the ticket. Hooks . The 12-inch minimum is still in effect. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. For example, a #4 hook is smaller than a #1 hook. . And here’s how to tie this rig step by step:What size hook should I use for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. Take the hook, a size 1 long shank version being ideal, and simply hook it lightly through the back of its body and out through the shell. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. Keep the drag as tight as possible to prevent the fish from pulling line off the reel. Just be aware that sometimes they mark #1 hooks as 1/0 and they are too small. Insert the hook from under the shrimp’s head, and push the barb out on top, avoiding the vital organs. Give this fish a chance to nibble before you try to set your hook. Clams as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Clam for Sheepshead: 4. “I prefer small blue crabs 3 to 5 inches across the shell and rig them on 3/0 to 7/0 circle hooks with 3 to 4 feet of 30- to 40. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. Note sliding sinker above the splitshot. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. 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. 25 oz, 1. 80 $ 2. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. Snatching is also prohibited. My go-to rig for catching sheepshead around structure is a dropper rig. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. 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. You can always catch the big one on a small hook but can't catch the small ones on the bigger hooks in case the bite is slow. There are two styles of hook commonly used for hooking sand fleas: Pompano fishermen favor the Kahle hook, which features a wide, round bend that aims the hook point back toward the middle of the hook shaft. Another item is to cover the hook with the bait so the sheepshead can not see it. Place the egg sinker on the line and attach a swivel to it. The hook has to be strong or you’ll end up being disappointed after setting the hook. (Table 4). You’ll also need your choice of. 2. Here are our picks for the best hook for sheepshead fishing. In super clear water or when using single eggs or very small baits, I will drop down to a size 12 and a size 14 wide gap hook that is thick enough to not bend on big steelhead. tcain24 Discussion Starter · May 19, 2009. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. How To Rig Fiddler Crabs For Bait. Sheepshead fishermen prefer to use a long-shafted hook, typically about. $2. 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. 1. As a general guideline, #6 to #10 hooks work well for smaller steelhead, while #2 to #4 hooks are suitable for larger ones. LinkBack URL; About LinkBacks ; Bookmark & Share; Digg this Thread!What size hook is bigger 4 or 6? The tricky part here is that unlike the ought sizes where the larger the number, the larger the hook- now it becomes reversed; the larger the number the smaller the hook For example, hooks sizes from smallest to largest would be #10, #8, #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 3/0, 5/0, 6/0 etc. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers…. For larger, tougher baitfish, like big pinfish or croakers, I’ll go with a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook. I've always done real well with the Eagle Claw model #084 size 4. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. Sheephead fish have a limited range primarily in the southern half of California and Northern Baja. 5873 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by servo765, Feb 12, 2014 Jump to Latest prelude13 Discussion starter. He used spinning tackle with 60-pound test braided line and a 60-pound test fluorocarbon. Many fishermen like to hook their shrimp through the head. 99 $ 9 . Anything smaller, and you'll lose a nice fish sooner or later. 10 lb 6 oz Sheepshead. Use the lightest split shot possible, given the local current and depth. Fishing tips: Sheepshead are difficult to hook because they take the bait fast. My go-to rig for catching sheepshead around structure is a dropper rig. Not. Furthermore, you’ll want to keep your flies streamline, simple, and short. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. Deschenes suggests two different rigs to fish for sheepshead. Small, compact, and simple to use (no need to tie a complicated rig) They sit balanced on the bottom with the hook point up, so your bait will be facing up and your. 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. Put them on ice immediately, keep just the smaller and medium-size ones and fry them up fresh. #2. EP 182: How To Catch Sheepshead On Fake Crabs!!! 30. Almost all of my reels in the 3000 size class are spooled with 15lb Power Pro Super Slick. For shrimp about 4 inches, I’ve been using a #1 size hook. 1/0 to 10/0 “ought”, larger sizes. weight 18 inches below them with Shrimp or fiddler crabs and you will dramatically improve the hook-up rate for Sheepshead. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. Keep in mind that these fish have mouths packed with plenty of flat, hard teeth and they can easily chew through thinner hooks. Sheepshead must not be taken with double or treble (any multi-hook) rig with live or dead bait. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. A chunk the size of an adult males thumb tip is perfect size and will lead to many strikes. This forms a natural gate. The proper sinker size for Sheepshead ranges from ¼ ounce to 3 ounces depending on the depth being. This price point is the best bang for your buck for balancing. The best hook size for Sheepshead is a #1 to #2, which is about ½ inch in diameter. This is one of the most effective ways of rounding up large colonies of fiddler crabs. It never hurts to use a two-foot piece of 20 lb fluorocarbon leader when the sheepies are being leader-shy. Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig. (A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. 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,. While sheepshead typically stay under 15 pounds, black drum can reach much larger weights. This 3 - pack of jig weighs 1 - ounce and comes in a pink color. 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. You need a small 1/16 oz. A general rule of thumb to follow is base your hook choice off the number of the hook. 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. The Sheepshead are notoriously skittish, so stealth is required to get close enough to make a good cast. Live or fresh dead shrimp will catch plenty of sheepshead and is the easiest bait to find at most tackle and bait shops. Personally, I’ve caught a 20lb (9. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. To tie this rig, first tie your leader to your hook using your favorite snug knot (I use a fisherman’s knot). However, they can get to 3 feet and weigh over 20 pounds. The fish usually grows 10-20 inches long. 25: 07/09/1997: Lake Superior: Ashland: Gar, Longnose: 21 lbs. 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. If I'm fishing for bigger sheepshead I'll go up to a 2/0 hook. SMALL. 31:27 – How to set the hook (sheepshead are notorious bait stealers) 33:40 – Tony’s favorite sheepshead rig for using fiddler crabs or sand fleas. 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. So you need a hook small enough to fit in their mouth, but strong enough that it won’t be broken. 5- to 3-ounce bank sinker keeps the rig on the bottom. 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 would be fine. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. . Cobia Fish Finder Rig. Perfect when used with soft plastics, live bait and. Mustad Classic Hook For Sheepshead. Be aware of regulations: Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Florida, as there may be size and bag limits for Sheepshead. The most distinguishing feature is their human-like teeth. Lawful catch limits for sheepshead. ”. so a small hook is necessary. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. Alternate method record fish. 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. The state produced a graphic to help anglers tell the difference. When fishing for Sheepshead, you should use a standard light wire hook, typically size 2/0 or 2. What is the best hook 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. 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. They have prominent teeth with incisors, molars and rounded grinders that enable them to crush shellfish and sea urchins. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Tautog. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. Photograph by Nick SimoniteAt times, Oregon Inlet can provide some of the best Sheepshead fishing and then there are times the bite absolutely sucks. Gear Requirements: Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig 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. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. A hook. braided line. The hook size chart below encompasses everything I’ve. “For their size, they truly fight with all they have. Season: Open year. The hooks need to be sharp enough to penetrate the. For jigs, use a short shank style hook with just enough weight to keep your bait down in the current. A light wire, ultra sharp circle hook should be placed at the bottom of a 12-16″ 20lb fluorocarbon leader. Go 20 to 25 inches away from the weight up. 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. Even the adults aren’t free from predation; sharks like to take them on occasion. If the tide is moving fast then use a half ounce to an ounce. Where to Locate Sheepshead. Best way to keep bait on the hook. However, using a #1 size hook is sage if you use larger bait, such as a large minnow. Sometimes confused with: black drum, spadefish. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for. How To Hook The Shrimp. No hook set is required. A size 1 to 2/O hook short shank should do the job. 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. 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). When in doubt, go smaller on the hooks. As juveniles, they eat any soft-bodied animals they can find and a variety of small, shelled. This is because of two attributes: their dark vertical stripes and human like teeth. For most fishing applications, a #1 or #1/0 short shank live bait hook works best. In our experience, some of the best hooks to use are the Mustad 2/0 and 3/0 Octopus hooks. 91-kilogram (2-pound) Women’s 1-kg (2 lb) Tippet Class World Record. 2590 Executive Center Circle. Step #3: Put a split shot about 1′ up. Depending on the current, I will vary the size between 1/8 oz to ½ oz. I have caught lots of sheepies on small circle hooks, but my all-time favorite sheepshead hook is a # 2 kahle hook. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. To tie this rig, first tie your leader to your hook using your favorite snug knot (I use a fisherman’s knot). Sheepshead are one of the most recognized fish in the ocean. Fiddler crabs are arguably the best bait for Sheepshead. usually with Sheepshead you have to hide the hook. Carolina rig: one-ounce egg sinker on running line tied to swivel; 12- to 18-inch, 40-pound leader running from swivel to hook; Bottom rig: weight on bottom with some sort of dropper hook attached between it and a swivel; use a 30- to 50-pound line; Carolina Rig and Dropper Rig Jigs and Bottom. 3 out of 5 stars 60 $9. 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. The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. Crankbaits. What is the best hook for sheepshead? Also, make sure you match the hook size to the bait size, not the quarry size. Slide the loop through the eye of the weight, wrap around the weight, and pull tight. Ground was broken in February 2019. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. The hook size chart below encompasses. Rod/reel combo 2 should be loaded with full squid, using as much as a 7/0 hook. 30. Figure 2-5. Best price guaranteed, verified reviews, and secure online booking. One of the best methods is with a sheepshead jig On the hook of the sheepshead jig, place a fiddler crab. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. 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. 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 would be fine. Take the hook point and insert it in between the bottom two legs of the crab. This is particularly effective when you’re anchored off next to a barnacle-covered bridge piling. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Want to catch more fish AND save 20% on all your fishing gear? Click here to join us in the Insider Club: do you rig fiddler crabs. In this video, I bought some "Sheepshead Hooks" from Clearwater Bait & Tackle to see if they actually worked. This rig should be on a light action, medium strength rod with a. I. Made with feather light IM7 graphite blanks with D16 nanotech and unique carbon fiber design. 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. Fishing for. Keep in mind that the larger the hook is on a fishing hook, the smaller the number. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. 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. If the hook point goes anywhere past. Let’s go over the gear for targeting sheepshead. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. Have caught 5 sheepshead in two trips, but have lost NUMEROUS amounts of them. Sheepshead in Alabama love live fiddler crabs and live shrimp. bothersome to actually hook a Sheepshead and then lose it on the barnacles on the structure surrounding them. (2) Landed in Whole Condition Requirement – A person harvesting sheepshead shall land each sheepshead in whole condition. Eel, American: 3 lbs. The majority of sheepshead landed in 2020 were between 10 inches and 15. Have caught 5 sheepshead in two trips, but have lost NUMEROUS amounts of them. 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. But before we dive into the topic, it's important to know what factors to consider when choosing a hook Best Hook For Sheepshead Fishing (2023 Update) - Just A TasteWhat You Need and How to Make The Sheepshead rig. 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 would be fine. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. 5oz, Pearl White) Our standup style jig head is the standard in sheepshead fishing!It’s difficult to feel the bites and set a hook in the small mouth of a sheepshead. A larger hook size can be used for larger worms, while a smaller one can be used for finesse fishing techniques. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]Hook and line record fish Fishing Wisconsin. Tsunami Carbon Shield II Spinning Rods are designed with Fuji K Guides with Fazlite inserts. The weight you use depends on the current where you're fishing. It feeds on shellfish, octopuses, and a wide variety of fish. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. The best way to hook a fiddler crab for sheepshead is the same way as described as above. Luckily, on this day we were able. Convict fish and black drums will be attracted to sections of huge blue crabs or full fiddler crabs on a hook under a popping cork. Remove legs and paddle-tail and cut the crab with scissors into one-fourth crab chunks. It’s a weedless rig and a great way to catch sheepshead, snook, redfish, and. Bank sinker. That's when you want to set the hook. Like the others said, don't set the hook. Purchasing a best hooks for sheepshead fishing is not always simple. The hook is very important. Fiddler Crabs – Best Bait For Sheepshead. monofilament rigs for porgy fish like sheepies. Medium shank length, offset, easily inhaled by even a small sheepie. Size, Age, and Growth of a Sheepshead. Eagle Claw 500 Bronze Light Wire Jig Hooks 100 Pack -Works Great with Do It Molds. The Sheepshead diet of shellfish gives the meat a similar. Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. For smaller baitfish, like a threadfin or finger mullet, I like to use a #2, #1, or 1/0 circle hook. The overall size of the mouth for this species of fish is rather small.