Sheepshead - Catching, Cleaning and Cooking

Sheepshead are colorful fish, common from Virginia to Florida. They are found around rocks, reefs, bridges, inlets and other structure. Sheepshead feed on crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans.

Live baits for sheepshead include shrimp, soft crabs, peeler crabs, fiddler crabs and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference.

A small cast net, umbrella net or seine can be a great asset for anglers that prefer to catch their own shrimp, crabs or other small baits. Another possibility is a trap, which is baited and left overnight. This is a good option for fishermen that are staying near an estuary for a few days. The following list includes some of the many baits that are used to catch sheepshead.

Blue Crabs

The Atlantic blue crab is found in inshore environments from Nova Scotia southward. These crabs make excellent bait for sheepshead. They are fished as cut bait.

Green Crab

The green crab is an introduced species that is originally from Northern Europe. Their shell size can be up to 3". Green crabs are now found from New Jersey to Nova Scotia, and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Rock Crab

The rock crab is a common species of shallow-water crab found from Labrador to South Carolina. It is usually found sheltering in nooks and crevices.

Jonah Crab

The Jonah crab is a species of crab found on the Atlantic coast of North America. It is closely related to the Dungeness crab of the Pacific Coast.

Mole Crabs

Mole crabs are found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward. Fishermen also gather them with special metal mesh scoops or with meshed wire nets attached to poles. They can sometimes be purchased at bait and tackle shops.

Shrimp

In southern states, shrimp are popular for catching sheepshead. Shrimp are sized by "count", the value being the average number of shrimp specimens per pound. For example, 16-20 count count means there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound.

Hard Clams

The hard clam is the most popular American clam. Seafood retailers classify hard clams corresponding to their different sizes. The largest sizes are called quahogs or chowder clams.

Surf Clams

The Atlantic surf clam is harvested commercially off the Northeast USA coast. Surf clams range from 4 to 8 inches in length. They are cut into strips forsea bass fishing. Surf clams can be brined and frozen, making an excellent stored bait.