Top 3 Types Of Bait For Sheepshead Fishing

Sheepshead are starting to show up again in mid-Atlantic waters!!
So what do you need to know to target these fish?
See the FULL blog on our fishing tips page and learn more about fishing for Sheepshead here: bit.ly/3Decb6C
Sometimes the smallest baits catch the biggest fish!!!
Sheepshead are so much fun to target and with surging numbers up in the Northeast, it is a perfect time to get out and look for these fish.
Remember, EVERYTHING EATS A SHRIMP!!!
Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE: bit.ly/3BtLOII

[@anthonymannarino3376]

Thanks for not killing every sheepshead you catch 👍🏼

[@Saltstrong]

We are a conservation minded company - thanks for watching!

[@FatDadFishing]

Yes, I released all of them in the video. As a matter of fact I haven't kept any sheepshead. Until we know the strength of the fishery in New Jersey I've opted to return all of them.

[@davidstarr2397]

Gotta release for the good feedback, can edit out the keepers

[@U.S.ArmyVeteran]

In the south (Tampa, FL), Sheepshead have to be 12", If you spend the money to go out and catch them and you and/or your family are hungry, killem all over 12" and feed your family. The Sheepshead and their family and friends will visit you and send gifts just the same as they did last year and the year before.

[@dealerslicenseops]

Best place to catch sheepshead in Tampa Bay? (I'm in TPA)@@U.S.ArmyVeteran

[@mse1333]

Good video! But here is what I would love to see. Instead of describing how to hook a fiddler on a sweeper, maybe actually show it? And how do you hook the power prawn on a sweeper, you can’t thread it on as you would normally do on a weighted hook, the shank on the sweeper is awfully short. Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3Decb6C

[@jtoker9758]

Where I fish for sheepshead, I find the mud crabs to be better than the fiddler. At least for catching the massive sheeps head. I'm talking about the ones about 2 inches wide or so. But I noticed when tide was low, there were a bunch of the mud crabs out among the rocks where I was catching the fish at.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching!

[@dondinero13]

Awesome video. Very informative. Thank you sir.

[@Buzz9611]

Thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome!

[@johnlong8157]

Definitely think that it would be very helpful if you showed the actual hooking of each bait as opposed to just giving the description.

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3Decb6C

[@itbeginx]

Those sheepsheads are so abundant in the Northeast, you can use anything to catch them.

[@Saltstrong]

Yup!

[@GrippingLipsFishing]

Small piece of shrimp on about a 3/0 hook. If you use a whole shrimp, it's easier for them to pull it off. Fish around pylons and rocks.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@ralphzaccaria7420]

Thought I clicked on the wrong channel for a second. Salt Strong, nice.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@FatDadFishing]

Thought this would be a good topic for Salt Strong!

[@jorgeoquendo7837]

Thanks for the nice video. I live close to Tampa, which bridge is that one where you are fishing? Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

The footage in this video is from up in the Atlantic Coast near Maryland/New Jersey

[@gladiatorfishing3174]

I’ve caught sheepshead from all sizes on crabs, sandfleas and shrimp. Sheepshead aren’t picky no matter how mature they are. I can say the way the bait is presented plays a factor in the bite. I’ve fished a bunch of different states and all sheepshead are the same. Good video but some of your points need to be revisited.

[@floridagrown6250]

What’s the best way to present the bait?

[@gladiatorfishing3174]

@@floridagrown6250 I always use a Carolina rig. Depending on water visibility is how I gage my leader line. So the murkier the water, the heavier the leader line. The clearer the water the lighter my leader line. I use 20lb leader max and 17lb leader minimum for sheepshead. I also like fishing structure, pilings are my go to, but you can’t go wrong with some artificial structure that has been setup in water columns. I like dropping my bait to the bottom of the water, then picking it back up about a half foot from the bottom and letting that bait sort of sway in the current, that gives the sheepshead more visibility to identify the bait.

[@Saltstrong]

Good info!

[@robertsteele8838]

What is your favorite color? Bottom sweeper jig ?

[@afout07]

I think mud crabs make a far better bait for big sheepshead. I like mud crabs, asian shore crabs, and then fiddlers in that order. Fiddlers are great because theyre easy to get and keep alive though. I've never caught a big sheepshead on a sandflea and I've never even used shrimp, I feel that shrimp would be a waste of time here with all the baby seabass and croakers around. Oh and sandfleas are a killer bait for tautog, my best day was about 25 togs on sandfleas.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@brianzeringue2779]

Very good table fare here in Louisiana hard to tell from any other snapper

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome eating!

[@BigPoppieSeed]

I have caught sheepshead with a white string tied around a small stout hook along with a small amount of barnical manipulation.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TheDesiree1978]

How often change sand flea water cause of ther URIEN ?

[@Saltstrong]

We would recommend checking this link out: www.saltstrong.com/search/?wp_searchable_posts%5Bquery%5D=sand+flea

[@2Cool4Ryan]

Anytime I dropped shrimp from pier.. 99.99% will get mangrove snappers bite. I think sand flea would be a great choice for Sheepshead. Thanks for your info though.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching, sand fleas are a great choice for several species of fish!

[@angryjay06]

Bottom Sweeper Jigs your a Stone Harbor guy. You should check out Dan Schafer Insomniac guide services. He guides out of Stone HArbor. The man puts you on big Sheep head and striped bass. Bottom sweeper jigs are his!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@bernardescobar6952]

Do sheepshead comes in south Jersey?

[@Saltstrong]

They do!

[@rec1015]

Hello, great video, thanks . What type of tackle you used on that video , rod, line, leader ? Also , do you have a KZbin channel ?

[@Saltstrong]

You can get all the of the details on the full blog here: bit.ly/3Decb6C Our KZbin Channel is Salt Strong

[@leowilliams7578]

A stick of Dynamite works great 😊

[@leowilliams7578]

I used about 100 fiddler crabs one day and managed to catch 3. I've caught as many by accident as I have on purpose. It's definitely an acquired skill. Much Respect to those that know.

[@Saltstrong]

lol

[@lmay4642]

A great tutorial. Thanks. I cant seem to find any of the shepherds jigs with sickle hooks on line and they are not listed for purchase on the saltstrong website shop page. Any links or sources you can share so i could purchase would be appreciated. Also any color you recommend? I fish bridge structure in the obx. Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@BigPoppieSeed]

Live bait is where it's at

[@texassportsoutdoors]

Live Shrimp is the best where i fish. Soft plastics do not work.

[@Saltstrong]

Have you tried our Power Prawn USA lures? They are amazing!

[@mintdigggity]

1. Asian shore crab 2. Fiddler crab 3. Mud crab 4. Sand flea

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@mintdigggity]

@@Saltstrong i think it depends where you fish too, you know. Everyones list will be a little different depending where they are fishing.

[@zwicker3697]

They should have a limit on sheepshead

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigmiller8564]

How about some examples…..just like ALL THE OTHER Saltstrong vids?!?!?! 💁‍♂️

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback.

[@tournot]

Just go over an watch off kilter fishing. I didn't even get past the 2 minute mark..................

[@Saltstrong]

What can we do to improve?

[@spotemshotemboys8163]

Awesome vid ! Would love if you could check out some of my fishing and hunting content 😃 Your feed back would mean alot ! 💪🏾

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking it out!