How to Catch Sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
By Captain Donnie Vinson, Team Vinson Charters
Sheepshead are the fast-action, poor-man’s snapper of the Gulf Coast. They can be identified by their oval, flat, striped body that make them the convicts of the sea. But they also have unique, dinosaur-shaped fins, and very distinctive and bizarre human teeth. The best part about sheepshead is they can be caught on Alabama’s Gulf Coast year-round.
What is a Sheepshead?
Sheepshead are marine fish which generally reach around 10-20 inches, but sometimes can grow to be as large as 35 inches. Alabama’s record catch is 13 pounds, 14 ounces—currently held by Captain Patric Garmeson of Ugly Fishing in Daphne, Alabama.
Sheepshead can be found as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico and all the way to parts of Brazil. They stay fairly close to shore and like brackish water. They feed on shelled creatures when not spawning.
Sheepshead have recognizable characteristics, but the most bizarre are it’s human-like teeth.
Where to Find Sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
If you want to discover the biggest sheepshead in the best places on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, book a charter with Team Vinson Charters. I know all the best honey holes. But if you are out looking for yourself, here are some tips to find sheepshead.
1. Look near rocks, jetties, piers, and pilings close to shore.
2. Check out one of the nearshore gas and oil rigs.
3. Check near artificial reefs.
4. Bridge pilings and rubbish areas are perfect spots to find sheepshead.
5. Look near oyster shell reefs.
6. State dock areas in the rivers and canals of Mobile River are prime locations.
When to Catch Sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
The great news is that sheepshead can be caught any time of the year. Sheepshead spawning occurs from February through April on Alabama’s Gulf Coast making the prime time to catch them February through early May. Sheepshead spawn in large groups, making the competition for food high. It also means that hundreds to thousands of fish can be found around a single structure.
Any time of day is fine for catching sheepshead. I’ve caught them in the early mornings and late afternoons. The tides play no role in catching sheepshead, which also makes them a fun species to target year-round and any time of day.
How to Catch a Sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
When targeting sheepshead, use a medium-to-heavy rod. Use at least a 3500 series reel. Rig with 20-pound braided line with fluorocarbon leader. I like to use about 18 inches with about a ¾ to ¼ ounce weight, depending on the current, to keep the line tight. Use a No. 1 to No. 4 hook.
Sheepshead in Alabama love live fiddler crabs and live shrimp. They also will take fresh or frozen dead shrimp. If you want to use artificial bait, try cranker crabs or Berkeley Saltwater Gulps, crab or sand flea, or shrimp.
Toss a line at least 10 feet from a structure and work your way in until you get a bite. Work different depth levels to find the fish. You can always move to a slip cork at this point and set your depth. Sheepshead have a very light baby bite. Once you feel the bump, begin reeling. Don’t try to set the hook or you’ll miss more than you’ll catch.
Book a fun fishing charter with Team Vinson Charters to catch sheepshead.
How to Clean and Cook Sheepshead
I love to use my electric Bubba Blade.
1. Hold the knife at an angle to get the cutting edge under the scales.
2. Cut vertically behind the head of the fish to the backbone.
3. Turn the fish so it’s back faces you.
4. Insert the knife near the backbone beginning at the top of the vertical cut.
5. Cut the meat loose from the backbone down the ribcage.
6. After the knife passes the ribcage, insert it through the fish.
7. Cut the meat loose from the backbone but do not cut through the skin tab in front of the tail.
8. Beginning at front of filet, cut any remaining points where the filet is attached to the frame of the fish.
9. When filet is completely free, cut through the tab attaching it to the tail and set the filet aside.
10. Repeat on other side.
11. Place in Ziploc bags and put on ice.
To cut sheepshead on the half shell, my favorite, follow these steps:
1. Hold the knife at an angle to get the cutting edge under the scales.
2. Cut vertically behind the head of the fish to the backbone.
3. Turn the fish so it’s back faces you.
4. Insert the knife near the backbone beginning at the top of the vertical cut.
5. Cut the meat loose from the backbone down the ribcage.
6. After the knife passes the ribcage, insert it through the fish.
7. Go all the way down the backbone to the tail of the fish and cut off at the tail.
8. Repeat on other side.
9. Place in Ziploc bags and put on ice.
My favorite way to cook sheepshead is on the half shell. Just season the flesh and lay the scale side right on the hot grill. My favorite way to cook sheepshead filets is to season the meat with your favorite seasonings (I like mine blackened) and toss onto a fry pan with hot melted butter and some olive oil. Simple and delicious.
Sheepshead also taste great fried!
Book a Charter to Catch Sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
These tips will surely help you to catch sheepshead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. But the best way to have the ultimate experience, is to book my Sheepshead Special. Click here to save the date, and I’ll take you to where the sheepshead are just waiting to be caught!