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Target Sheepshead In Low Tides

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Fred Everson.

Lots of wind and cooler weather have kept most anglers off the water, and the forecast for the next few days isn't much better. Winter weather in January - go figure.

I am seeing plenty of sheepshead around the mouth of the Little Manatee River gnawing barnacles off the pilings. Time to break out the scraper and catch a few of these tasty striped bandits. You also can find sheepshead in some of the deeper cuts, such as Big Pass and Mag's Hole.

Extreme low tides are best, and small shrimp rigged on quarter-ounce jig heads with strong hooks will do the trick for sheepshead.

This is also a good application for zero-stretch braided line and extra sensitive graphite rods. You have to be quick with the hook set or you will go through a lot of shrimp. And one look at the dentures of this fish will explain why you want to bait up with a stout hook.
Trout fishing has been good for those willing to brave the wind and the cold. There have been some big trout on the flats in front of the Cockroach Bay boat ramp and in four feet of water off Big Pass. Live shrimp and a popping cork are still the best bet for big trout.

To contact captain Fred

Everson, call (813) 830-8890,

or visit his Web site,

tampabayfishingguide.com.

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