Sheepshead

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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:889679 documented in database.
Earliest Record:1/1/1830 12:00:00 AM and located at 27.83076, -97.06170.
Latest Record:6/11/2024 6:42:00 PM and located at 30.66968, -81.46259.
Common Techniques:Bottom Fishing
Popular Lure Types:Bottom Rig
Fishing Spots:1721 Sheepshead fishing spots.


Latest Sheepshead Fishing Reports and Spots

Variety vs. Quantity challenges Pisces Anglers - 2/14/2025 4:59:59 PM

One 25-pound Sheepshead The post Variety vs. Quantity challenges Pisces Anglers first appeared on Pisces Sportfishing. (View)

Are We Fishing or Catching? - 2/12/2025 6:48:00 PM

For a awhile there we were thinking we might just be on a fishing trip not a catching trip! I had met Ed and Maddona AndrewLavage up at Old Tow (View)

Wandering Angler: Redfish Fishing in Cocodrie Louisiana - 1/30/2025 12:19:18 PM

We left Wyoming on Nov 15th and began slowly making our way to the Louisiana Marsh in Cocodrie Louisiana to target the famous redfish. On our w (View)

Naples Marco Island Fishing Report - 1/29/2025 2:38:27 PM

The saltwater estuaries of Rookery Bay nestled between Naples and Marco Island offer a prime destination for anglers looking to experience the (View)

Fishing Charters: Naples and Marco Island Fishing Trips - 1/25/2025 10:35:45 AM

The fishing action in Naples Marco Island and Rookery Bay remains strong despite recent cold fronts. These conditions have brought good catches (View)

We Salvaged The Trip Big Time - 1/24/2025 8:36:00 PM

  Although it was a tad cold - about 34 degrees when I launched the forecast called for winds at 10mph and sunny skies and the Weatherman naile (View)

January 2025 Fishing Report – Stuart FL - 12/31/2024 10:19:46 AM

2025 is now upon us and we are looking forward to a great year with plenty of fish hopefully in everyone’s future!  Inshore Fishing Report  For (View)

Starting the New Year Off Right - 1/2/2025 8:46:00 PM

  I had my first trip of 2025 this morning with Dennis Fritz and his son Douglas and grandson Ethan - we met down at Sawpit Creek boat ramp and (View)

Weekly Forecast (12.24.24 – 12.30.24) - 12/23/2024 7:24:59 PM

Merry Christmas from Spacefish! Wishing everyone catch the holiday spirit along with plenty of fish this week! We've got decent weather in stor (View)

An Eight Slot Day at Amelia Island - 12/18/2024 9:22:00 PM

  That hot November fishing has continued on into December - boy we caught some fish today! I had met Henry Ross and David Gray down at Sawpit (View)