SMALL. Sheepshead have strong jaws, so setting the hook firmly is essential. Some anglers prefer circle hooks as well; a #3/0 circle hook is a good all round size. 6 out of 5 stars 103 $9. One of the best sheepshead lures is sheepshead jigs These football jigs, paired with an octopus hook, is the perfect lure for successfully catching sheepshead. For “smaller” treble hooks, this range will be from 20 to 1, with the size 20 hook being the smallest and the size 1 hook being the largest. Season: Open year-round. 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. These fish have surprisingly small mouths for their size, and using large hooks will result in lots of bait-stealing nibbles. The Star Plasma II Inshore Rods and Star Seagis Inshore rods are two of. This pack includes some of their top lures in miniature size, which makes them ideal when fishing smaller creeks, streams & rivers. com, and we will place a custom order of octopus hook for you. When fishing for Sheepshead I like to use chunks of quartered blue crab. I’m just going to tell you what you really need to know. Sheepshead an also be targeted on IGFA compliant fly fishing tackle (learn what you need to know regarding IGFA rules for fly fishing). 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. The world’s biggest sheepshead ever caught weighed in at more than 21-pounds According to the International Game Fish Association, that big fish was caught near New Orleans in 1982. Hook the shrimp through the head when casting or trolling. The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook. Hook: #1 or #2 hook. For example, the hooks above are extremely small around size #26-#30, and used for Microfishing. 4-12 hour fishing trips for family and friends. 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. The smaller the better when it comes to octopus hooks and sheepshead, so try one in a size of 1/0 or 2/0 for best results. My go to rod for sheepshead the TFO Professional Series – particularly a 7’0 ( PRO S 704-1) or 6’ 6” M Mod-Fast ( PRO S 664-1) spinning rod paired with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. Live or fresh dead shrimp will catch plenty of sheepshead and is the easiest bait to find at most tackle and bait shops. To tie this rig, first tie your leader to your hook using your favorite snug knot (I use a fisherman’s knot). The movement of the hook presents the bait naturally to the sheepshead and usually ends up in more frequent hookups. A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. In fact, some black drum can weigh an impressive 90 pounds! On average, when fully grown, they weigh between 30 to 40 pounds. 850-487-0554. The general consensus seems to be a 1/0 or 2/0 semi-circle or sheepshead hook. When it comes to comparing black drum and sheepshead fish, there’s a noticeable difference in size. 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. 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. In between, the scale goes from #32 to #1 and then from 1/0 to 20/0. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Hooks should be small because sheepshead have relatively small mouths. It is a hook on your line with a shrimp that is free to swim around. Fishing tips: Sheepshead are difficult to hook because they take the bait fast. Sheepshead are one of the most recognized fish in the ocean. They can get up past 10 lbs. Mission Fishin weedless jig head; 34:15 – Pros and cons of the Texas Eye jig head. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. It can reach a maximum size in nature of more than 14 kg and 90 cm, and an age of 20 years or more, but one as large as 66 kg has been. As far as size is concerned, the adults are typically around 19 inches long and two to five pounds. Use a palomar knot for this rig and a hook no larger than size 1. 6 kg) (35 cm). Personally, I’ve caught a 20lb (9. Bait for sheepshead is shrimp, but fiddler crabs, cracked blue crab, and gold spoons also work. Also can use gold sabiki size hook for catching cigars -Split shot or small bass worm weight as slip weight above swivel -10-15 inch 12-20 lb Fluoro leader -flat blade shovel and mesh net for getting oysters off of structure -hammer and brick to smash. Hook size can be confusing because there is no industry standard for, say, a size 4 Mustad and a size 4 Eagle Claw. Slide the loop through the eye of the weight, wrap around the weight, and pull tight. Small, compact, and simple to use (no need to tie a complicated rig) They sit balanced on the bottom with the hook point up, so your bait will be facing up and your. No gut hooking with the use of circle hooks is the usual case and they are hooked in the jaw area. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. However, the tip of the hook is at the same angle as the eye, so that even if you tie a knot directly to the eye, it will still effectively hook into a fish. Fiddlers are a great size to be used whole. 16 inches. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current For bait. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it generally places the bait down near the bottom where most of the sheepshead hang out. Sheepshead fish grow squarish, human-like teeth as they mature so they can feed on hard-shelled prey. (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. 1. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. Hook Size for Sheepshead. 1. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. 8756 Views 36 Replies 16 Participants Last post by tcain24, Jun 29, 2009. The second is with the fiddler crab on a 3/8-ounce Ralph Phillips jighead. 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. I'd rather miss a few smaller fish and land the good'ns me. The new bag limit for sheepshead will be eight fish per person decreasing from 15 fish. The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. Hook size can be confusing because there is no industry standard for, say, a size 4 Mustad and a size 4 Eagle Claw. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead. This allows you to work the water column right up against that structure. They have large, protruding teeth used to crush the crustaceans, mollusks and hard-shellfish they feed on. The larger sheepshead can feast on crabs, words, fish, and a different variety of crustaceans. A very small piece of split shot (1/16 or 1/32 ounce) on your line will keep it slightly down in the water column as it drifts. For bait use fiddler crabs of small live shrimp. Three inches separate size 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks on the bottom rig. 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. Instead, he “tricks” the hooked sheepshead into swimming into open water. The hook has to be strong or you’ll end up being disappointed after setting the hook. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. A larger hook size can be used for larger worms, while a smaller one can be used for finesse fishing techniques. The weight of the split shots depends on the depth and current you’re fishing. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. Drop straight down, reel up three cranks. Therefore, a 4-size or a 2-size hook may be your best option since you’ll need a relatively large hook to catch crappie. I've always done real well with the Eagle Claw model #084 size 4. and they bite very light so its hard to tell sometimes when they hit. 6 kg) and 14-18 inches long, with a maximum size of about 29. Lastly, the 1/0 is great with larger 4-6″ minnows used to target Pike and Bass. Most. Ground was broken in February 2019. Learn the best hook size for sheepshead and mangrove snappers #shorts See more here 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. Hook Size Chart. Place the egg sinker on the line and attach a swivel to it. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Look for any soft bait that imitates a Sheepsheads natural diet, such as crabs and small. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]The average size is under a pound with the maximum being about 3-4 pounds. 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. Its hard to remember which size bead or cone matches what size hook. Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. For fishing beside pilings, the hook is tied directly to the line on a dropper loop with the sinker tied a foot below the. A standard rod and reel loaded with 12 to 20 pound test line will do when sheepshead fishing. Finding Sheepshead. Cranka, Savage Gear, and Chasebait’s crabs are the three best on the market for catching sheepshead. Anglers are permitted eight sheepshead that size or larger per day and the season is open all year. Larger sheepshead ate mollusks, crustaceans (crabs, etc), bottom worms and quite a bit of fish, mostly anchovies. For hook sizes from 32 to 1, the larger the number, the smaller the hook. Furthermore, we try to keep these flies streamline, simple, and. Then let it hover above the weight like so. Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: fishermen look for. I think I am using the wrong hook. Bank sinker. In either case, anglers should try to hide the hook in the bait as much is possible. I’m just going to generalize the heck out of this section since there are a lot of variables that could affect hook size and type for various species. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. For your weights, size 2-3 works well. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead from stealing your bait right off the hook. 35:00 – Whether or not you should keep the claw on the fiddler crab. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. $2. Jump to page: Results 1 to 10 of 24 58Likes. The appropriate circle hook size depends on the type of fish you are targeting and the bait size you use. -#10 freshwater live bait hook (bream hook). 5-3. Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. 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. Or keep your boots clean by purchasing fiddler crabs at a local tackle shop. Spawning sheepshead will mill around the structure, mostly staying up current of it. Package Sizes: 10, 25, 50 and 100 Hooks. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. What hook size should you use with fiddlers for the convicts-big or small?1. No hook set is required. Daily Bag Limit: 8 per person. Sheepshead fishing requires medium size, strong and short-shanked hooks. When targeting sheepshead, use a medium-to-heavy rod. A size 3/0 to 5/0 should do the trick. . Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. 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. This is particularly effective when you’re anchored off next to a barnacle-covered bridge piling. “If a redfish grabs the bait, or a good-sized sheepshead, it was breaking the treble hooks,” Carter said. They'll eventually grow three rows of stubby, flat teeth in their upper jaw and two rows lining their lower jaw. The weight of the split shots depends on the depth and current you’re fishing. 6-pound fish September 17 in Tangier Sound off Crisfield in about 15 feet of water. 1 or 2 hook is used because a sheepshead can bite through light wire hooks. 99I prefer Eagle Claw Bronzed baitholder Hooks, available at Wal-Mart in size 1, or 1/0 for larger fish. CLOSED May 16–June 30. The hook point should be pointing the same direction as the barb on the shrimps head. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Additionally you’ll want to keep the hook size small, usually around a size 6 or 4, and opt for a wide gape, chemically-sharpened hook as their donkey mouth full of molars doesn't make setting the hook an easy task. When fishing for Sheepshead, you should use a standard light wire hook, typically size 2/0 or 2. Cranka did their homework when designing this lure with this feature. These hooks are as sharp as they come and feature the opti-angled needlepoint tip. Shrimp. I’ll use anything from 8″ up to 18″ sheepshead on 8/0 circle hooks. The most distinguishing feature is their human-like teeth. 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. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that making a final purchasing decision may be difficult. fishery is primarily a hook and line fishery, but the species is becoming a favorite of spear fishermen. This is a 150-pack fishing hooks product that is perfect for landing reds. (A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. They have prominent teeth with incisors, molars and rounded grinders that enable them to crush shellfish and sea urchins. Male Fiddler Crab. 5-3. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. Use a Knocker Rig Close to Structure. My favorite rig to throw live or cut bait on is a Cobia Fish Finder Rig/Carolina rig. 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. As long as the size of the bait matches the size of your hook and can pull in the fish you are targeting you should be good! In this video, I bought some "Sheepshead Hooks" from Clearwater Bait & Tackle to see if they actually worked. Hook. 00:00:00. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. . Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. COUNTERSUNK BEADS (CYCLOPS BEADS) HOOK SIZE INCHES MM #. Had 4 dozen fiddlers on Sunday and went through every. Due to their small mouths and ample dentures, they can clean a hook in a split second. To see the full blog on the how to select the best inshore fishing hook, click here now:…Both circle hooks and J hooks will work for sheepshead. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. The barb of the hook will bury itself into the fish’s mouth. It is this boney mouth that makes them hard to hook and requires a hook that is placed in the side of their mouth in the soft tissue. Thought it appropriate to make a video Saturday of how i prepare my Sheepshead cut bait for flathead catfish. These smaller circle hooks allow for the smaller mouthed, sometimes undetectable hitting fish to frequently hook themselves. With an average size between 6 and 10 pounds, South Jersey’s sheepshead put up a serious battle on any inshore tackle. As juveniles, they eat any soft-bodied animals they can find and a variety of small, shelled. Commercial California sheephead weight-frequency for trap gear, 1993 to 2005. 1/4”. Although sheepshead are found all along the eastern US and South American Atlantic coastline, they particularly like the Gulf waters around Florida. Always use small hooks in sizes 1, 2, or 4. S. 99 $ 9 . That's when you want to set the hook. Another thing to keep in mind with these baits is that fresh is best. The heavier hook is used for deeper water when Dubiel has to get a 360GT down to structure. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. Hook Size Chart. The assembly of this rig is simple and you need only a few pieces of gear. Rod: 7' medium light to medium action. This is one of the most effective ways of rounding up large colonies of fiddler crabs. FREE delivery Nov 3 - 16 . Hence, I prefer size 4/0 hooks in Reedy’s 187 suicide for their versatility. Size: Can grow to 76 cm (30 in), but commonly reaches 30 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in). . What size hooks for sheepshead? Sheepshead: Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. 2 split-shot,” he says. #3. Now you'll want to deep fry each piece of sheepshead filet. If you're looking for the best hook for sheepshead fishing, you've come to the right place. 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. In her kayak, Emily Rose. One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. Let them hook themselves. Even the adults aren’t free from predation; sharks like to take them on occasion. The hook-set needs to be swift. Pros of the Bottom Sweeper Jigs. Cons: It takes a long time to tie. Split shots. Tallahassee, FL 32301. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J”. I like to use around a size 2/0 hook either octopus or straight shank hook, either or will do the trick. Sheepshead in Alabama love live fiddler crabs and live shrimp. Rod/reel combo 2 should be loaded with full squid, using as much as a 7/0 hook. In most cases, the line should be 10#–15# mono or braided. 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. In most of their range freshwater drum commonly reach weights of 1 to 5 pounds (0. Best Hook For Sheepshead. bullet weight and a 1/0 octopus inline hook. * Sheepshead have small mouth so select a small, sharp hook. Make sure your weights is all the way down and not slacking then the waiting game begins. A 1/8th oz. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. Length: 6’8″ – 7’6″; Power: Medium-Light to Heavy Rod Material: SCII Carbon; Guides: Aluminum-oxide; Handle: Full Cork Warranty: 5 year; Pros: Great value for the money; Premium sensitivity; Our choice for the best sheepshead rod under $200 is the Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod. Appearance: Black drum are typically silver or dark gray, almost black on occasion. 2. William Egerter Jr. The Dropper Loop rig is quick and easy to make on the boat with little preparation or hardware other than hooks and mono, and it can be directly tied to the main line. Saltwater flies, scent strips, and other artificial lures can also work. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. A live bait hook, aberdeen hook or octopus hook have long shanks that are a great fit for live worms. 99 :. When a kahle hook grabs a sheesphead, it doesn’t let go. If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a. #4. While a big variety of baits will work, Fiddler Crabs are best, small Live Shrimp, Sand Fleas and Oysters. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. To catch sheepshead, fishermen may choose hand lines, cane poles and spinning tackle and use fiddler crabs, barnacles, oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp for bait. How and what is the set up for sheepshead. Top Sheepshead Bay fishing charters in Fall 2023, from $54 p/p. ”. 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. When it comes to hooks, you can use anything from No. ”. You will get some perfect hook ups in the corner of the mouth and also some catches in the roof that can hold till you get the net under them. Hook the live shrimp just under the "horn", or ridge on top of its head. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. My rig of choice is a dropper loop about 10” to 16” above a 2-6 ounce sinker. One of the best times to use this method is. Figure 2-6. The best size hook for steelhead can vary depending on factors such as fish size, water conditions, and bait/lure selection. You’ll also need your choice of. He prefers a wide-gap circle hook, like the Mustad 39951, that he can dig a little deeper into the bait. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. How to Fish for Sheepshead using Circle Hooks. The first thing you need to do when rigging up mud crabs is to break off their claws. As the. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. Take the hook, a size 1 long shank version being ideal, and simply hook it lightly through the back of its body and out through the shell. Fiddler Crabs. com. Leader material. When considering hooks for sheepshead, think smaller, not larger. Long standing debate, which hooks are the best for catching Sheepshead? I prefer a stout hook. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally. “To me they are the saltwater equivalent of a smallmouth bass,” he shared. Weight will vary depending on depth and current. What size hooks for sheepshead? Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. 1 size for most of my fish. Sheepshead. If you use a 1/2″ chunk of cut bait (we used pinfish and ladyfish on this trip) and a 3/0 circle hook, then it’ll be much harder for the smaller snapper to get the bait and hook in their mouth. Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. Use a 2/0 or 3/0 hook tied to a 20 to 30 pound monofilament leader line. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. Be ready and Hold on! Features include: Available weights 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz, 1 oz, 1. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. Depending on the current, I will vary the size between 1/8 oz to ½ oz. Generally, though, anglers will deal with lots of smaller sheepshead before they tie into a keeper fish, which must be a minimum of 12 inches. It’s the simplest rig for sheepshead (and many other species), but it’s very effecti. 25 pounds. Fishing Information for Panama City, Destin, Navarre and Northwest Florida. A light wire, ultra sharp circle hook should be placed at the bottom of a 12-16″ 20lb fluorocarbon leader. sizes 2 – 2/0 hook; OBX Sheepshead Basic Rigs. A 2X long hook in a size #4 would be as long as a standard hook in #2 and so on. Sand. However, using a #1 size hook is sage if you use larger bait, such as a large minnow. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook For Sheepshead. He uses a 3⁄16-ounce Texas Eye half the time, going to ¼-ounce when fishing in 5 feet or more of water. They have small mouths with teeth that look almost human and small hooks are. What kind of hook should I use for sheepshead? I was told "the small the better" by the tackle shop; I read "small circle hook" on line; I read "Mutu light 1/0" on one of Florida fishing magazine two days ago. Hook. Here’s a list of materials you’ll need for this rig: A hook. 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. Daily Bag Limit: 8. As for the hooks, it mostly depends on the size of the shrimp (not the size of the fish you’re targeting). Table of Contents show. (B) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than ten spotted. Keep the drag as tight as possible to prevent the fish from pulling line off the reel. The average size for adults is between 10 and 20 inches in length, and around 3 to 4 pounds in weight. . 37. Eel, American: 3 lbs. Cons: It takes a long time. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. But you’ll also need to set the hook in the most effective manner possible. The crab was fitted to a sliding sinker “fishfinder rig” with an 8/0 circle hook. " Skip to content. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . The majority of sheepshead landed in 2020 were between 10 inches and 15. September 13, 2022 by Brent Pollock. A 4/0 hook is a good start. Owner American Mosquito Hook For Sheepshead. Using small, strong hooks and smaller shrimp or shrimp pieces greatly increases the hook up ratio. I’m just going to tell you what you really need to know. Mussels as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Mussels: 5. 5/32””. Planning another trip soon and will be dropping to size 4 hooks in the hopes that I can gut hook a few more Sorry for the long post but this is really frustrating me. As they grow they can take on enough size to put them out of range for all but the largest of predators. A simple seasoning and ten minutes on the grill is all you need Your fish will be ready so quickly you will feel spoiled. Overall length of the adult sheepshead fish can reach 36 inches and can weigh around 21 pounds. . One of the best times to. Season: Open year. You’ll know you cut through the artery if there is a lot of blood loss or blood on the knife. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. Sheepshead can be very fussy at times. SECTION 1. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. The sheepshead knows this, so they tend to hunt in these areas. Keep in mind that these fish have mouths packed with plenty of flat, hard teeth and they can easily chew through thinner hooks. Anglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. The most important of all attributes is the hook’s sharpness. 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. Tackle for Sheepshead. Gamakatsu octopus hooks size #2 or #1 work well but keep in mind that the #1 hook is a thinner wire hook and on larger sheepshead and drum, you could risk bending the hook. Dubiel’s VMC weighted hooks range from 1⁄16- to ¼-ounce. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. But before we dive into the topic, it's important to know what factors to consider when choosing a hook Best Hook For Sheepshead Fishing (2023 Update) - Just A TasteWhat You Need and How to Make The Sheepshead rig. 25: 07/09/1997: Lake Superior: Ashland: Gar, Longnose: 21 lbs. This method is preferred when fishing the bait off the bottom. The circular shape of these hooks will provide better hookups while the small size allows them to fit inside the small mouths of sheepshead. Knocker Rig. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. The Skyline Sheepshead Jigs has a 2X strong super sharp Black Nickel Hook perfect just for those baits. How to Fish for Sheepshead with a Light Wire Circle Hook. #1 · Jul 24, 2012.