Download the mobile app!

Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.

Check out our new Android or iOS app for Fishing Status.

The long awaited return of our mobie app is back on Apple App Store and Google Play

Sheepshead

Species Information

Scientific Name:Archosargus probatocephalus
Environment:Inshore, Nearshore, Surf
Ideal Temp:60-65°F (15-18°C)
Technique:Bottom Fishing
Lure Type:Bottom Rig
World Record:9.63 kg (21 lb 4 oz) New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Other Names:sheepshead, sheephead, sheeps head, sheep head
The sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, is a marine fish that grows to 30 in (760 mm), but commonly reaches 10 to 20 in. It is deep and compressed in body shape, with 5 to 6 dark bars on the side of the body over a gray background. It has sharp dorsal spines. Its diet consists of oysters, clams, and other bivalves, and barnacles, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans. It has a hard mouth, with several rows of stubby teeth, which help crush the shells of prey.

Sheepshead are found in waters ranging from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, and southward to Brazil. Populations of sheepshead occurring in South America and in parts of the Gulf of Mexico are regarded as two separate subspecies. Sheepshead are year-round residents from about South Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, and most abundant to the north between 
April through November. They are found in coastal waters, bays and estuaries, and are tolerant of low salinity brackish waters as well. Sheepshead are most frequently encountered near some type of structure like pilings, jetties, oyster reefs, artificial reefs and coastal live bottom.

Latest Sheepshead Fishing Reports and Spots

Dick McGinley with a nice inshore sheepshead. Dick & Jennifer catching some reds & sheepshead. - 3/5/2023 5:07:12 PM

(View)

Morning Full of Variety - 2/25/2023 5:48:00 PM

 We had a foggy morning for most of the trip today. I had met Kimberly Manek and her friend Jeremy up at the Dee Dee Bartels Park boat ramp and (View)

Galveston Bay Fishing Report 2-28-23 - 2/28/2023 11:06:27 AM

 We have been dealing with a little bad weather lately down here in Galveston TX. This time of the year is usually a bit inconsistent. Mo (View)

Childhood friend Walter Hartridge with a nice red! The bite has been mostly redfish & sheepshead. With warmer than average conditions reds are already showing up spring-time spots. - 2/23/2023 10:56:41 AM

(View)

2-15-23 - 2/2/2015 9:42:00 AM

Snook fishing in the inlets continues to be productive though the live baiters have had the upper hand of late. Still some Tarpon at the mouth (View)

How to catch Sheepshead - 2/14/2023 2:49:00 AM

Sheepshead Fishing: How to Catch These Elusive Bait Stealers Sheepshead also known as convict fish are a popular saltwater fish species found a (View)

Pensacola Fishing Report February 2021 - 3/1/2021 4:22:59 PM

Inshore With the icy cold weather speckled trout fishing has been really good. You’ll want to look for them in the bayous and canals in Pensaco (View)

January fishing forecast - 1/3/2022 2:34:40 PM

Inshore White trout fishing around the Pensacola Bay Bridge has been decent lately and should remain that way through at least January and Febr (View)

Charter fishing in Charleston and Folly Beach - 2/3/2023 8:47:23 AM

Charter fishing in Charleston and Folly Beach fishing has been good as we enjoy our mild winter. Deep Sea fishing charters have been producing (View)

The Final Fish - 1/26/2023 5:18:00 PM

 When I talked to Glenn Langford last evening he indicated he'd like to target Sheepshead on our trip this morning. So when I met him and his w (View)