Elvira Bowen. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. 31:27 – How to set the hook (sheepshead are notorious bait stealers) 33:40 – Tony’s favorite sheepshead rig for using fiddler crabs or sand fleas. Circle hooks work great for sheepshead. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]Here is a list of the Florida saltwater fish size limits for over 50 of the popular game fish and a rundown of saltwater fishing regulations. Image of stick gear typically used in the California sheephead fishery with four hooks attached to a ground line along a piece of rebar with buoy attached. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. ) High-Low Rig – Can buy rig already made. As juveniles, they eat any soft-bodied animals they can find and a variety of small, shelled. What size hooks are best for snapper? The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. Not. Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: fishermen look for. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. (A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig. Proportion of commercial California sheephead landings by gear type, 1987 to 2021. Choose a rod 6-7ft medium action with a light touch so you can feel the delicate bite of a sheepshead. Using the proper bait and hook size is essential due to their strong teeth to catch sheepshead within the size limit. How to Fish for Sheepshead. Hanzlik’s Sheepshead 0. I like to use around a size 2/0 hook either octopus or straight shank hook, either or will do the trick. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. Furthermore, we try to keep these flies streamline, simple, and. My rig of choice is a dropper loop about 10” to 16” above a 2-6 ounce sinker. You will only need a few basic fishing items in order to make a reliable sheepshead rig, and these things include: some 15 pound test fluorocarbon line; a 1 ½ ounce egg sinker (or similar size) a barrel swivel; a red plastic bead; and a hook (try 2/0 size)Texas Sheepshead State Record The record sheepshead for Texas was caught on October 17, 2002. The hooks need to be sharp enough to penetrate the. What are the best live bait hooks for redfish??Is there ever a time when you would not use a circle hook?Would you ever need a hook with additional weight?Se. When a sheepshead is holding over a deeper structure, you may not feel comfortable dropping right into their fortress. What type of hook is best for sheepshead? The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. Had 4 dozen fiddlers on Sunday and went through every single one to catch one fish. How To Rig Live Shrimp For Sheepshead. sheepshead: [noun] a marine bony fish (Archosargus probatocephalus of the family Sparidae) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U. The trick is to use something that only a large Sheepshead can eat, and that is a large Mussel, whole in its shell. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. Hooks . Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. Top Sheepshead Bay fishing charters in Fall 2023, from $54 p/p. Sheepshead are known for having strong jaws and small mouths. Leader material. 30. tcain24 Discussion Starter · May 19, 2009. So, if you can obtain them, that’s what you should usually try first. In my opinion Stainless, or Circle hooks are a waste of time SheepsHead fishing. The sheepshead knows this, so they tend to hunt in these areas. Two hooks also allow you to test two different baits to see what the fish are eating. . Minimum size: 15″ minimum. A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner's the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4. 99 ($5. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Beer Mixture. In the numbered sizes, the largest commonly available size is #1. sizes 2 – 2/0 hook; OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. fishery is primarily a hook and line fishery, but the species is becoming a favorite of spear fishermen. Most. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. Remember how sheepshead and black drum feed: they use their teeth to crunch on barnacles and oysters. A larger hook size can be used for larger worms, while a smaller one can be used for finesse fishing techniques. Hooking an avid bait thief like Sheepshead takes a bit of patience. (2) Landed in Whole Condition Requirement – A person harvesting sheepshead shall land each sheepshead in whole condition. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. Sandy Hook, Breezy Point, Ambrose. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. Knocker Rig. How To Target BIG Sheepshead. Live release record fish. Hooks When choosing a hook for catching sheepshead, consider the sharpness, size, and strength since sheepshead has very strong jaws and prominent teeth, they can easily destroy weaker and thinner hooks. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. Pyramid Sinker. What Size Hooks For Black Drum? The ideal hook size for fishing for Black Drum is a 3/0 which is about ¾” in diameter. We go from a #1 early in the year for 2"-2 1/2" baits to a 5/0 in the summer when the average bait runs 4 1/2" to 6". Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. When a kahle hook grabs a sheesphead, it doesn’t let go. Jason Stemple. For larger, tougher baitfish, like big pinfish or croakers, I’ll go with a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook. 4) Florida Sheepshead Regulations. They can reach a size of up to 30". Smaller Shark: Same as above, but increase leader length to. Convict fish and black drums will be attracted to sections of huge blue crabs or full fiddler crabs on a hook under a popping cork. saltyfishin95 Discussion starter. Keep in mind that the larger the hook is on a fishing hook, the smaller the number. 6 kg) and 14-18 inches long, with a maximum size of about 29. They were specifically designed to have a slow sink rate giving it a more. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. You need a weighted fly that sinks and get's down to the bottom quick, yet light enough to not plop down noisily on the surface of the water. Capt. A second fish that somewhat looks like a sheepshead is the Atlantic spadefish. 5: 08/29/1992: Mississippi River: Crawford. Hook size can be confusing because there is no industry standard for, say, a size 4 Mustad and a size 4 Eagle Claw. I use the High-Low rig with circle hooks from Gamakatsu 2/0-4/0 and Eagle Claw 2/0-3/0. Leader material. Small hooks, small fresh dead shrimp for croakers and whiting; Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. You can always catch the big one on a small hook but can't catch the small ones on the bigger hooks in case the bite is slow. Attach one end to the swivel. Factors Affecting Hook Size Selection Now that we’ve covered some fish species and their recommended hook sizes, it’s important to consider additional factors when choosing the right hook size for pier fishing: The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. How to Build a Sheepshead Rig: A Comprehensive Guide. Appearance: Black drum are typically silver or dark gray, almost black on occasion. How to fish bridges for sheepshead. Fishing tips: Sheepshead are difficult to hook because they take the bait fast. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells . What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. I have caught lots of sheepies on small circle hooks, but my all-time favorite sheepshead hook is a # 2 kahle hook. Snapper: The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. He prefers a wide-gap circle hook, like the Mustad 39951, that he can dig a little deeper into the bait. Instead, wait for a moment and let the fish fully take the bait before setting the hook by lifting your rod tip in a quick, firm motion. Another reason for the small hook is that sheepshead have good vision, and may refuse to eat a bait if they can see the hook. Drum (Sheepshead) 35 lbs. ”. Table of Contents show. EP 182: How To Catch Sheepshead On Fake Crabs!!! 30. Carolina rig: one-ounce egg sinker on running line tied to swivel; 12- to 18-inch, 40-pound leader running from swivel to hook;. Add to quote; Share Only show this user. Fiddler crabs are arguably the best bait for Sheepshead. I. Knocker Rig. This is one of the most effective ways of rounding up large colonies of fiddler crabs. This kit come with the large nozzle (5/8") Bait Injector. Step #3: Put a split shot about 1′ up. Move your rod accordingly to guide the fish away from the structure or debris in the vicinity. #1 · Jul 24, 2012. (1) Size Limit – A person may not harvest or possess within or without land from Florida Waters or land possess in or on Florida Waters, a sheepshead that is less than 12 inches in total length. Hooks . Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Attach the elbows to your poles, cut out holes in the bin, and start catching. 6-7 wt – These two sizes are perfect for streamer fishing. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally bite them in half. Reelin & Chillin Charters Inc. This will ensure you get the cleanest fillets and kill the fish quickly and humanely. Smaller Sheepshead and other fish will chew that Clam down to size. The require patients and a sensitive rod/line combo. In fact, some black drum can weigh an impressive 90 pounds! On average, when fully grown, they weigh between 30 to 40 pounds. 4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by sandbar Jul 25, 2012. Owner J hooks, in sizes from 2/0 to 4/0 are an excellent choice. Ground was broken in February 2019. use only enough weight to keep the bait below the water. Sheepshead Size: Sheepshead average size will range from 12" to 26". A two to four ounce sinker should be enough and hook size will often be determined by the mouth of the fish you chase. Size: Sheepshead are common at around 30 inches and 5 to 15 pounds. When considering hooks for sheepshead, think smaller, not larger. as they said - - - down slowly then back up slowly about 3 to 4' at a time. Cons: It takes a long time. The Sheepshead diet of shellfish gives the meat a similar. For most fishing applications, a #1 or #1/0 short shank live bait hook works best. Depending on the current, I will vary the size between 1/8 oz to ½ oz. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. A simple seasoning and ten minutes on the grill is all you need Your fish will be ready so quickly you will feel spoiled. An important part of a successful Sheepshead rig is the hook, they can be tricky to hook with an improper hook due to their unique teeth. When using Cut bait, I find size matters. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. What size fly reel is best for trout? 3-4wt – Small creek trout, bream, and other small fish. If the tide is moving fast then use a half ounce to an ounce. I’ve been using a #1 Gamakatsu live bait hook (get it from Amazon here), but the size hook will depend on the size bait you use. Flounder hooks. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. I would rather have my line break than have my hooks bend out. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Octopus hooks are like circle or j hooks, except that the eye is bent backwards. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Size, Age, and Growth of a Sheepshead. One of the most popular ways to catch sheepshead is with a carolina rig The Carolina rig is also known as the sliding sinker rig because it consists of an egg sinker that can slide up and down the line. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. Many anglers only target sheepshead when fishing. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. You can switch out the egg sinker with a fish finder slide and a weight as seen in the. You want to use enough weight so your hook just makes contact with the bottom. That’s likely to be a 5’–7’ medium-heavy rod (spinning or casting) paired with a 3,000 series reel. Another popular alternative is to use a bare jig, ranging from 1/4 ounce for structure in 8 to 10 feet of water and moderate tidal flow up to 3 ounces for depths to 40. The last step is to tie the hook on with a sturdy knot. Use a Knocker Rig Close to Structure. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . What size hook should I use for sheepshead?. 2 split-shot,” he says. Weight: Small splitshot 10" up from the hook in light current or a slip sinker above a small swivel when heavier weight is needed. In either case, anglers should try to hide the hook in the bait as much is possible. #4. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. The movement of the hook presents the bait naturally to the sheepshead and usually ends up in more frequent hookups. Perfect when used with soft plastics, live bait and. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. You would have to start making a curving second cut starting at the initial cut, just over the lateral line at the back. He managed to land a 26. . These are a great choice when targeting sheepshead as it gets the bait to the bottom and the way it’s weighted is designed to keep the hook upright – which will increase your. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. Place the egg sinker on the line and attach a swivel to it. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. Sheephead have a bunch of teeth, crushers, and a leathery mouth and lips, so sinking a hook requires considerable force, especially when fishing deeper than 100 feet. Make the leader about 30 inches long and tie the hook directly to the leader but use a single swivel between the leader and reel line. Fairly common up to 7 pounds and maxing out around 20 pounds. The circular shape of these hooks will provide better hookups while the small size allows them to fit inside the small mouths of sheepshead. Sheepshead fishing around bridge pylons in the main channel can yield some of the strongest currents and require heavier weights; fishing around docks farther inshore is less severe on currents,. Deschenes suggests two different rigs to fish for sheepshead. A 4/0 hook is a good start. The hook-set needs to be swift. Species Fishing Hook Guide. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. 25:11 – Using weighted hooks vs. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. Go heavy with 20-25 lb. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. The hook point should be pointing the same direction as the barb on the shrimps head. • Possess fish where the size or species cannot be determined (FGC 5508 and 5509); • Fail to exhibit on demand all licenses, tags, validations, permits, applications or reservation to any peace officer or authorized CDFW employee (FGC 2012); • Fail to exhibit, on demand, all fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles andStep 2: Second Cut. Get a small hook (generally a size #1) and ideally a bottom sweeper jighead. The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. You can also use a slip sinker rig with the sinker right up against the hook. Made with feather light IM7 graphite blanks with D16 nanotech and unique carbon fiber design. Food Value: One of the absolute best. The best way to hook a fiddler crab for sheepshead is the same way as described as above. Male Fiddler Crab. Leader material. fish reaches a larger adult size. Size And Weight. Thread a 1 to 3 ounce egg sinker on the leader, and run the leader. One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. I've always done real well with the Eagle Claw model #084 size 4. The fishing hooks that come in this. A light wire, ultra sharp circle hook should be placed at the bottom of a 12-16″ 20lb fluorocarbon leader. What is the largest hook size? Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest ( size 19/0 ). This 3 - pack of jig weighs 1 - ounce and comes in a pink color. He’s picky about the size he uses for bait, so he catches his own. LinkBack. This price point is the best bang for your buck for balancing. The first thing you need to do when rigging up mud crabs is to break off their claws. Another popular alternative is to use a bare jig, ranging from 1/4 ounce for structure in 8 to 10 feet of water and moderate tidal flow up to 3 ounces for depths to 40. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. I’ve been using 30 lb mono (get it from Amazon here). The second is with the fiddler crab on a 3/8-ounce Ralph Phillips jighead. Saltwater Jig Heads and Freshwater Jig Heads that can be used on the flats, inlets, and open water. Overall length of the adult sheepshead fish can reach 36 inches and can weigh around 21 pounds. Season: Open year-round. When targeting sheepshead, use a medium-to-heavy rod. #2. It feeds on shellfish, octopuses, and a wide variety of fish. I'd rather miss a few smaller fish and land the good'ns me. Sheepshead can be very fussy at times. Convict fish and black drums will be attracted to sections of huge blue crabs or full fiddler crabs on a hook under a popping cork. To catch fiddler crabs, you can rummage around a local tidal marsh with a bucket and a quick hand. In the state of North Carolina, currently, the minimum size of a Sheepshead to be. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. (New) When fishing for reef fish using hook-and-line with natural baits from a vessel, non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks are required N. Brian Summerlin, of Princess Anne, caught the 16. If you are using large shrimp as bait you. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. Above the leader place a swivel and just enough weight to hold its place in the current that is being fished. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. There are two ways to do this. Sheepshead fish bite during cold Gulf of Mexico waters, attracting nearshore and offshore rocks. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller. SHEEPSHEAD. 4x Strong Live Bait Sheepshead Hooks Specs: Hook Sizes: 1/0 and 2/0; Hook Tip: Opti-Angle Needle Point; Hook Type: 4x Strong Live Bait; Color: Black Nickle;. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Sheepshead an also be targeted on IGFA compliant fly fishing tackle (learn what you need to know regarding IGFA rules for fly fishing). The proper sinker size for Sheepshead ranges from ¼ ounce to 3 ounces depending on the depth being. Sheepshead are there for the taking if you have the know-how (see above) and patience. For this rig, you are inserting the hook through the head of the shrimp. White uses a 10- to 13-foot medium-heavy conventional rod with a 12- to 15-size reel and 20-pound braided. The hook has to be strong or you’ll end up being disappointed after setting the hook. Regardless of the types of fishing hooks you’re planning to use, one of the most important considerations before tying a hook to the line is size. I have had the most luck with a small treble hook - #10 or #11. Best Hook For Sheepshead. Species Fishing Hook Guide. With an average size between 6 and 10 pounds, South Jersey’s sheepshead put up a serious battle on any inshore tackle. Ok, trying to expand my horizion. If you have one rod/reel for trout fishing it needs to be a 5 wt. 5-2. Put the hook in through one of the legs and out through the body. Mission Fishin weedless jig head; 34:15 – Pros and cons of the Texas Eye jig head. Depending on the size of the fish, your best bet is going smaller than 4/0. Size: Average Sheepshead range from 1 pound to around 4 pounds. His Weedless Eye weights are usually 3⁄16- and ⅛-ounce. . 2590 Executive Center Circle. Tallahassee, FL 32301. Although Alabama’s size minimum for sheepshead is 12 inches fork length with a 10-fish bag limit, Newton and Bannon said a fish that measures 15 to 16 inches is a preferable size to keep. The weight of the split shots depends on the depth and current you’re fishing. As they grow they can take on enough size to put them out of range for all but the largest of predators. A 20lb fluorocarbon leader is the best leader to use when targeting Black Drum. Open Year Round. 1 or 2 hook is used because a sheepshead can bite through light wire hooks. A fish-finder rig, with a 10-inch piece of 20-pound fluorocarbon, attached to a size 1 circle hook is my go-to. We had several fish that weighed 8 pounds and many fish in the 3 – 4 pound range. As the hook # gets larger, the hook size gets smaller. Flip the baited hook into this area and allow it to be carried about by the current. So I would have 1oz and 2oz minimum if targeting bigger sheeps around a bridge with. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells . Jig head weight varies based on depth and current, but a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce generally fits the sheepshead zone, while you may need to go as big as 1/2 for a stronger current. Insert the hook from under the shrimp’s head, and push the barb out on top, avoiding the vital organs. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. I like the 2/0 Owner Mosquito hooks when targeting sheepshead. A #1 or #2 J-hook or circle hook is best for live bait. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that making a final purchasing decision may be difficult. 75 posts · Joined 2011. Not much is off the table when it. The free-floating shrimp rig is precisely as it sounds. Sheepshead. Pinching off the tail and threading a shrimp onto a hook or a light jig head is a better play, as it brings the hook point closer to a sheepshead’s mouth. Sizes go well beyond what is shown in these charts! The smallest commercially available hook size is a #32 and the largest is 27/0! Very small hooks used for Microfishing. If its slack tide or a slow moving tide I use a smaller hook with two or three split shots about 6 to 10 inches above it. . The best way to catch sheepshead recreationally is to use hook and line tackle, and this species is also becoming more popular to spear fishermen. Split shots. sizes 2 – 2/0 hook; OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. Hook Size Chart. A size 3/0 or 4/0 Owner all-purpose cutting edge hook works great with this rig. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. BottomFishing 101 tells us that using the lightest weight possible to hold a bait on or near bottom while keeping that weight away from the hook is paramount in. Get our octopus hook today and start catching more sheepshead with the. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. Sinker. A small float about 12 or 16 inches away from the hook gives a better idea of the location of the bait. To offer up a quick summary of the basics of hook sizing, the most important thing to note is that the smaller the size of a hook, the larger the hook actually is. #3. Summerlin was targeting sheepshead using soft crab rigged on a sliding sinker “fishfinder rig” with an 8/0 circle hook, and a spinning rod with 60-pound braid and a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader. Small crankbaits are also inviting to Sheepshead as they make movement and sounds. You’ll also need your choice of. Soft baits for Sheepshead. The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. Rod: 7' medium light to medium action. Jig head weight varies based on depth and current, but a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce generally fits the sheepshead zone, while you may need to go as big as 1/2 for a stronger current. The weight you use depends on the current where you're fishing. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller would be fine. A 2X long hook in a size #4 would be as long as a standard hook in #2 and so on. LinkBack URL; About LinkBacks ; Bookmark & Share; Digg this Thread!What size hook is bigger 4 or 6? The tricky part here is that unlike the ought sizes where the larger the number, the larger the hook- now it becomes reversed; the larger the number the smaller the hook For example, hooks sizes from smallest to largest would be #10, #8, #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 3/0, 5/0, 6/0 etc. 25 oz, 1. Light wire does less damage to the fiddlers. To bleed them, all you need to do is cut the artery that runs along the bottom of the area between their gills. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. 5oz, Pearl White) Our standup style jig head is the standard in sheepshead fishing!It’s difficult to feel the bites and set a hook in the small mouth of a sheepshead. Here are our picks for the best hook for sheepshead fishing. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Reel: 2500–3000 series spinning. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead from stealing your bait right off the hook. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. -#10 freshwater live bait hook (bream hook). Package Sizes: 10, 25, 50 and 100 Hooks. Mix in a blender: 1 cup beer. Hook Strength: 1X strong. Daily Bag Limit: 8 per person. A size 1/0 circle hook is a good size for a sheepshead, just make sure the brand you choose is strong enough for the job. latitude and non-stainless steel hooks are required. A hook. Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. 1X long – the hook is as long as the standard length in the size above, so a 1X long in #4, would be as long as a size #3 hook. Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. In this booklet, we will first describe the natural history of the sheeps-In the early stages of life, immature freshwater drum are a food fish for many predators. Many times this will allow for the sheepshead to hook itself before the angler has to set the hook. Minimum keeper size is 12 inches. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. For the Bay this rig in a 40-pound mono line is just the ticket. Just be aware that sometimes they mark #1 hooks as 1/0 and they are too small. Circle hooks ranging in size from #2-2/0 work well with #1-1/0 being the best choices. Use long-shanked hooks. Be sure to go with a quality brand of hook, such as Gamakatsu or Owner, because you want a sharp and strong hook that’s able to easily penetrate the fish’s mouth. On my last trip, the fishing was off for everyone but I met a pier rat who told me that's just the way it is with sheepshead.