Went out the 17th and today to target some more of my favorite Winter species, Sheepshead. On the 17th, I was out with an old friend. He had so much fun the previous trip that he had to do it again. Sheeps were still biting, but it was a bit tougher.
Today, we took advantage of this short, high pressure system and got out there in the Arctic cold. We were on the water by 7:30 and headed East. Luckily, the sun came out and warmed things up pretty quick. Thank god for clear blue skies. Our first spot was slow (South rocks). The water looked pretty dirty so we didn't waste much time there and headed across the channel to the North row. Once in place, we were on the Sheepshead pretty good. We wore them out pretty hard for the following 2 hours. Once the out going tide started slowing down, the bite turned completely off. By that time, we were loaded up and decided to head in early. Good fishing with you Nick!
All fish were caught on Fiddler Crabs. We use Carolina Rigs When targeting Sheepshead in the Inlet. 2/0 J-Hooks and the lightest egg weight you can get away with are The way to go. The best tide is out going.
The colder the water gets, the deeper you want to be. Today the surface temp was 58 in the morning. By around 12, the surface temp was back up to 62 degrees. It's cooling off quick out there. Get on the Convicts while you still can. I believe that once that bottom temp drops below 60 degrees, they'll be heading back off shore. Once that happens, we don't see good numbers again until after February. The sources I've found on Sheepshead temperature ranges suggest that they prefer to be in water no colder than 59 degrees and I personal have found that to be true inshore. Outside the Inlet could be completely different.
admin
Danny Pardue