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Sheepshead
Species Information
| Scientific Name: | Archosargus probatocephalus |
| Common Names: | sheepshead, sheephead, sheeps head, sheep head |
| Environment: | Inshore, Nearshore, Surf |
| Ideal Temp: | 60-65°F (15-18°C) |
About Sheepshead
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.
Sheepshead Fishing
| World Record: | 9.63 kg (21 lb 4 oz) New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| # Fish Caught: | 889802 documented in database. |
| Earliest Record: | 1/1/1830 12:00:00 AM and located at 27.83076, -97.06170. |
| Latest Record: | 1/9/2026 4:56:00 PM and located at 30.66968, -81.46259. |
| Common Techniques: | Bottom Fishing |
| Popular Lure Types: | Bottom Rig |
| Fishing Spots: | 1716 Sheepshead fishing spots. |
Latest Sheepshead Fishing Reports and Spots
Boy what a beautiful day today - it was in he high 60's when I launched at sunup and when it did come up there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Alm (
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Another beautiful morning greeted us down at Sawpit Creek boat ramp when I met the Crane Island Boys -Dick Conley David Gray Henry Ross and hi (
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It didn't rain on us this morning it wasn't freezing cold like earlier in the week but it was a little cool and the wind was the worst we had (
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Not once but Twice! That was how many Big fish were on and off! The day had started early cold but sunny out at Goffinsville Park where I met (
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Exclusive Fishing Charters with Captain John February is an excellent month for inshore fishing in Charleston South Carolina especially for an (
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Boy was it foggy this morning - as I was driving to the Sawpit Creek boat ramp I was concerned that we may have to just putter around to the (
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I hope everyone had a great and Merry Christmas! I was back fishing today with William and Dara Blalock and boy what a crazy morning it was! (
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After a howling windy day yesterday today was picture perfect - zero winds and sunshine when I met William and Dara Blalock out at Goffinsivll (
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Finally back to work today! And boy what a pretty day it was - sunshine a bit cool and no wind water like glass! I met Frank and Joanne Wytiaz (
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Boy we have been blessed with some beautiful weather the last few weeks and today was more of the same -clear skies very little wind and warmi (
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