Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth teeming with teeth. A two to four ounce sinker should be enough and hook size will often be determined by the mouth of the fish you chase. 6 kg) (35 cm). -#10 freshwater live bait hook (bream hook). Gear Requirements: Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig What type of hook is best for sheepshead? 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. Often, the crabs will be knocked off the rocks. Fishing hook sizes are generally referred to by a number from the smallest (size 32) to the largest (size 19/0). Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Long standing debate, which hooks are the best for catching Sheepshead? I prefer a stout hook. No hook set is required. The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. 1. 1 or 1/0 hook and a No. This method works great fooling the sheepshead,the hook is buried in the head of the shrimp, just make sure the shrimp is small. Not. Sheepshead feed on a variety of small crustaceans. 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. (A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. 1 or No. Circle hooks work great for sheepshead. 80. Sheepshead fish bite during cold Gulf of Mexico waters, attracting nearshore and offshore rocks. A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. The proper sinker size for Sheepshead ranges from ¼ ounce to 3 ounces depending on the depth being. Hence, a razor sharp hook would be the best option for this notorious fish. (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. Over on the Port Orange Causeway at Donald’s Bait and Tackle, Craig Patterson (no relation to Jeff) prefers his longtime method when targeting sheepshead: Size 1/0 or 2/0 short-shank, live-bait. You. The minimum size limit for sheepshead is 10 inches fork length, which is measured from the fork in the tail to the tip of the snout. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. J-Hooks are best suited for the sheepshead’s mouth and smaller hooks work best, with #1 being the most popular size. 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. . Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. With an average size between 6 and 10 pounds, South Jersey’s sheepshead put up a serious battle on any inshore tackle. Finding Sheepshead. See moreAnglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. In either case, anglers should try to hide the hook in the bait as much is possible. Mustad Classic Hook For Sheepshead. D16 Nanotech blank technology consists of multi-directional layers of IM7 carbon fiber that have been injected with nano resin and wrapped in 8 different. So, 2/0 hooks are typically ideal for 2-3 inch baits. Ok, trying to expand my horizion. The knocker rig is similar to the Carolina rig. Deschenes suggests two different rigs to fish for sheepshead. Not much is off the table when it. Overall length of the adult sheepshead fish can reach 36 inches and can weigh around 21 pounds. Above the leader place a swivel and just enough weight to hold its place in the current that is being fished. Soft baits are the best artificial choice for Sheepshead, because they simply imitate what you would normally put on a hook in terms of live bait. The assembly of this rig is simple and you need only a few pieces of gear. The most distinguishing feature is their human-like teeth. 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. Live release record fish. Small hooks, small fresh dead shrimp for croakers and whiting; Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last. bothersome to actually hook a Sheepshead and then lose it on the barnacles on the structure surrounding them. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. If one hook gets broken off, you still have another left. that has broad front teeth and is used for food. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it. 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. Hooks . A mix-up can result in up to $255 in fines and court costs. FREE delivery Nov 3 - 16 . 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. Sheepshead ( Archosargus probatocephalus), of the family Sparidae, is an excellent food fish that ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Brazil in mainland coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs. What size hook should I use for sheepshead?. To fish a live spot or eel, Cudnik chooses a 5/0 circle hook. 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. Hook the shrimp through the head when casting or trolling. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. No matter which bait you choose you will need to fish right next to the pilings or structure. What is the best hook 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. T. For shrimp about 4 inches, I’ve been using a #1 size hook. Hooking an avid bait thief like Sheepshead takes a bit of patience. Jason Stemple. Furthermore, you’ll want to keep your flies streamline, simple, and short. This forms a natural gate. Rig with 20-pound braided line with fluorocarbon leader. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. Minimum keeper size is 12 inches. There’s a reason they’re called ‘convict fish’ — they’ll steal your bait. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. Hooks should be small because sheepshead have relatively small mouths. Use 1/0 or 2/0 Stand-out drop shot hooks (I use 2 about 12” apart) and a 1/2 to 3 oz. Minimum Size Limit: 12" total length. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Sheepshead are there for the taking if you have the know-how (see above) and patience. 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. 25:11 – Using weighted hooks vs. Where to Locate Sheepshead. Always use small hooks in sizes 1, 2, or 4. Split shots. How to fish bridges for sheepshead. Sheepshead Jig, 2 Pack, Standup Style Jig, Saltwater Fishing Jig, Ultra Tough Powder Coat Finish with 2X Hook, 1/2-2oz Sizes, Multiple Colors, Made in The USA (. The new bag limit for sheepshead will be eight fish per person decreasing from 15 fish. This is a 150-pack fishing hooks product that is perfect for landing reds. 1 size for most of my fish. This is one of the most effective ways of rounding up large colonies of fiddler crabs. 16 inches. In her kayak, Emily Rose. What size fly reel is best for trout? 3-4wt – Small creek trout, bream, and other small fish. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. A jighead will also work, ensuring. In the numbered sizes, the largest commonly available size is #1. Take the tag end of the leader line and tie a non-slip loop knot. Another thing to keep in mind with these baits is that fresh is best. use only enough weight to keep the bait below the water. Figure 2-6. Sheephead fish have a limited range primarily in the southern half of California and Northern Baja. Another item is to cover the hook with the bait so the sheepshead can not see it. 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. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. Size limit is 12 inches, and bag limit is 8 fish per angler. The larger sheepshead can feast on crabs, words, fish, and a different variety of crustaceans. 3/0 hooks match well with 3-4 inch baits and 4/0 or 5/0 hooks pair with 4-5 inch baits and so on. 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. Clams. You also do not want a light wire hook, as sheepshead can literally bite them in half. As a general guideline, #6 to #10 hooks work well for smaller steelhead, while #2 to #4 hooks are suitable for larger ones. braided line. A live bait hook, aberdeen hook or octopus hook have long shanks that are a great fit for live worms. Season: Open year-round. I have had the most luck with a small treble hook - #10 or #11. #3. harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational. Remove legs and paddle-tail and cut the crab with scissors into one-fourth crab chunks. Owner J hooks, in sizes from 2/0 to 4/0 are an excellent choice. This is a popular method for getting Sheepshead to bite, but you need to make sure your hook and lure are on the smaller size. Alternate method record fish. Hook. Keep in mind that the larger the hook is on a fishing hook, the smaller the number. You’ll also need your choice of. There are two styles of hook commonly used for hooking sand fleas: Pompano fishermen favor the Kahle hook, which features a wide, round bend that aims the hook point back toward the middle of the hook shaft. The knocker is ideal for catching sheepshead on the bottom and around heavy structures. However, sheepshead don’t only have large teeth—they also have large lips, which represent a great target for your hook tips. buy 1-2 lb of shrimp. 6 kg) and 14-18 inches long, with a maximum size of about 29. Fiddler Crabs – Best Bait For Sheepshead. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J”. The smaller size is perfect for worms around 6 inches ,. You will get some perfect hook ups in the corner of the mouth and also some catches in. 1/4”. Carolina rig is a slip lead rig; for sheepshead, a 12-18 inches rig is required with a J hook. It grows to an average size of 14-18 inches and weighs about (0. Texas Sheepshead Limits: Daily Limit: 5 per person. weight 18 inches below them with Shrimp or fiddler crabs and you will dramatically improve the hook-up rate for Sheepshead. Jump to page: Results 1 to 10 of 24 58Likes. 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. latitude and non-stainless steel hooks are required. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. These tiny rocky structures, just millimetres in size, are called otoliths, or ear stones. 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. 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. 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. The trick to catching Sheepshead is to see them before. Sheepshead will often inhale short-shank hooks, and then those rugged teeth. But you’ll also need to set the hook in the most effective manner possible. Up to 8 fish of legal limit taken per day per person. The jig head should have a wide gap with a sharp and stout hook. Both can hold. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead from stealing your bait right off the hook. so a small hook is necessary. sheepshead: [noun] a marine bony fish (Archosargus probatocephalus of the family Sparidae) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U. Hook Size Chart. What is a good size sheepshead? The primary diet of the sheepshead is shrimp, crabs, fiddler crabs, sand fleas and oysters making the meat sweet and yummy. Again, use a stout, sharp hook with a wide gap, around a 5/0 size. 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. The hook is very important. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Three inches separate size 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks on the bottom rig. Bank sinker. The movement of the hook presents the bait naturally to the sheepshead and usually ends up in more frequent hookups. Try to use a smaller, thinner hook because thick hooks can kill these crabs quickly. Species Fishing Hook Guide. Get a small hook (generally a size #1) and ideally a bottom sweeper jighead. Regulations. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells. For the Sheepshead flies, we like to keep the hook size small, usually around a size 6, and opt for a wide gape, chemically-sharpened hook. If you are using large shrimp as bait you. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. 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. ”. monofilament rigs for porgy fish like sheepies. Capt. A fish-finder rig, with a 10-inch piece of 20-pound fluorocarbon, attached to a size 1 circle hook is my go-to. Personally, I’ve caught a 20lb (9. Sand. With these attributes, circle hooks are becoming the favorite hook for some Sheepshead anglers. Even the adults aren’t free from predation; sharks like to take them on occasion. Hook. The movement of the hook presents the bait naturally to the sheepshead and usually ends up in more frequent hookups. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Snatching is also prohibited. It is a hook on your line with a shrimp that is free to swim around. Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth. Sheepshead must not be taken with double or treble (any multi-hook) rig with live or dead bait. 5/32””. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. It’s also one of the places some of larger ones are landed, with fish 14 to 17 inches not unusual. 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. Yes, sheepshead are a mite oilier than walleye, thus “fishier,” and less preferred table fare Their fillets also do not freeze well. Ignore these and wait until you detect a heavy feeling on the line. Best Hook For Sheepshead. The only problem I've had with such small hooks is a good size sheepshead can bend or crush them, but for the average size sheepshead, they do fine. Or keep your boots clean by purchasing fiddler crabs at a local tackle shop. Use J hooks and keep them sharp. Salt Strong Fishing. When targeting sheepshead, use a medium-to-heavy rod. Some anglers prefer circle hooks as well; a #3/0 circle hook is a good all round size. A hook. 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. X-SMALL. My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that making a final purchasing decision may be difficult. The knocker is ideal for catching sheepshead on the bottom and around heavy structures. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. Male Fiddler Crab. Because of their bony mouths and ability to pick bait off a hook with out touching the hook, Sheepshead can be quite difficult to catch. The best hooks for sheepshead fishing should be strong, sharp, and durable. Small hooks, such as a #1 to #2 hook size, are ideal, preventing the fish from stealing bait off the hook. The trick is to use something that only a large Sheepshead can eat, and that is a large Mussel, whole in its shell. A light wire, ultra sharp circle hook should be placed at the bottom of a 12-16″ 20lb fluorocarbon 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. Many anglers fish next to a piling. If the hook point goes anywhere past. Shrimp. 99 ($5. Crankbaits. One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. Eel, American: 3 lbs. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. You can use a number of different bait like fiddler crabs, mud crabs, shrimp, fresh clams, and even sand fleas. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. 2590 Executive Center Circle. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. . Bank sinker. Thread a 1 to 3 ounce egg sinker on the leader, and run the leader. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. Be ready and Hold on! Features include: Available weights 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz, 1 oz, 1. By far, my favorite flounder hook is a simple weighted jig head. com. The sheepshead has a maximum known lifespan of at least 20 years, with maturity normally occurring at 2 years of age. 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. ) High-Low Rig – Can buy rig already made. They were specifically designed to have a slow sink rate giving it a more. SHEEPSHEAD. When it comes to comparing black drum and sheepshead fish, there’s a noticeable difference in size. Dubiel’s VMC weighted hooks range from 1⁄16- to ¼-ounce. 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. Tautog. . I would rather have my line break than have my hooks bend out. Slide the loop through the eye of the weight, wrap around the weight, and pull tight. The sweep of an 8-foot rod helps, as does a sharp hook and braided line. 6 Kg), maximum recorded size 76 cm (30 in) weighing about 22 pounds (9. 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. You can switch out the egg sinker with a fish finder slide and a weight as seen in the. I like to use around a size 2/0 hook either octopus or straight shank hook, either or will do the trick. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Flounder hooks. 5-2. Hook Size Chart. It feeds on shellfish, octopuses, and a wide variety of fish. Species: Striped Bass, Red Drum, Flounder, Sea Trout, Bluefish, Snook. Because of the structure and the sheepshead’s tough mouth, forget about using a fine wire hook. 50Pcs Fishing Hooks 90 Degree Aberdeen Jig Fishing Accessories Fishing Fly Hooks Shank Bent Saltwater Carbon Steel Fish Hook Jig Head Hook(Size 1) 5. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. 941-228-7802. If there’s no blood, then try again a little higher. As the aught (or “ought”) gets larger hook size also gets larger. This will ensure you get the cleanest fillets and kill the fish quickly and humanely. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. Clams as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Clam for Sheepshead: 4. Spinconn - go to the ole YouTube !!! tons of sheepshead fishing tutorials there. Fiddler Crabs. They have also been known to hang underneath schools of spadefish as well. Also, make sure you match the hook size to the bait size, not the quarry size. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. This is so that if you’re snelling the hook, the line can go straight down to the backside of the shank. What is a Sheepshead FishThe 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. A size 1 to 2/O hook short shank should do the job. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. I’ve been using 30 lb mono (get it from Amazon here). Hooks . In my opinion Stainless, or Circle hooks are a waste of time SheepsHead fishing. you can also mix it with strip of. Lastly, the 1/0 is great with larger 4-6″ minnows used to target Pike and Bass. The barb of the hook will bury itself into the fish’s mouth. Using a 7’ -7’6” medium-fast action rod, 15 – 20 LB test line, #1 ultra-sharp hooks and split shot will allow you to detect the light bite of the sheepshead, permit the fiddler crab to swim naturally and still give you the power needed to pull the fish to the boat. 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. Fishing tips: Sheepshead are difficult to hook because they take the bait fast. When rigging fiddler crabs on hooks, I always use the bottom sweeper style. usually with Sheepshead you have to hide the hook. As said earlier Sheepshead are excellent eating. Anglers are permitted eight sheepshead that size or larger per day and the season is open all year. Quarter-size blue crabs on the hook work very well. The minimum size limit for sheepshead is 10 inches fork length, which is measured from the fork in the tail to the tip of the snout. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Many anglers only target sheepshead when fishing. 6-7 wt – These two sizes are perfect for streamer fishing. Their good vision is also a reason for using fluorocarbon leaders in the 10-15lb class, to further reduce the gear's profile in the water. The hooks need to be sharp enough to penetrate the. ”. 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. Fishing hooks are made in different sizes for a reason – hooks of different shapes and sizes are required for. This kit come with the large nozzle (5/8") Bait Injector. The size limit. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. How and what is the set up for sheepshead. Gigging Sheepshead at Night. They have incisor-like teeth in the front of their mouth, with molars further back in their mouth. 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. Plenty of predators eat the eggs and the juveniles. Size: Sheepshead are common at around 30 inches and 5 to 15 pounds. 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". “To me they are the saltwater equivalent of a smallmouth bass,” he shared. So, if you can obtain them, that’s what you should usually try first. 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. Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. I'd rather miss a few smaller fish and land the good'ns me. The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. Pyramid Sinker. The size is dependent on the bait size, but 1/0 works almost every time. 5- to 3-ounce bank sinker keeps the rig on the bottom. It is very hard for them to throw the. Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. Attach one end to the swivel. I’ve been using 30 lb mono (get it from Amazon here). For smaller baitfish, like a threadfin or finger mullet, I like to use a #2, #1, or 1/0 circle hook. The free-floating shrimp rig is precisely as it sounds. Let them hook themselves. Introduction Catching a sheepshead fish is not an easy task. All fishing hooks are given a number based on their size. However, they can get to 3 feet and weigh over 20 pounds. HOW TO COOK SHEEPSHEAD (THE. Many local anglers have reported a decreased number of sheepshead over the last few years. 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. 16 inches. Daily Bag Limit: 8 per person. In most of their range freshwater drum commonly reach weights of 1 to 5 pounds (0. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. What size Leader To Use For Black Drum . Eagle Claw 500 Bronze Light Wire Jig Hooks 100 Pack -Works Great with Do It Molds. As far as size goes, the dime to nickel-sized fiddler crabs are best. 1. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. The hook-set needs to be swift. They'll eventually grow three rows of stubby, flat teeth in their upper jaw and two rows lining their lower jaw. 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". For the new angler, fishing for Sheepshead can be a good place to start. If you are targeting large Balck Drum, you can increase your leader size up to 40lb. By using cut bait instead of shrimp. Use the lightest split shot possible, given the local current and depth. What size hooks for live shrimp? For shrimp, I like to use a #1 or #2 circle hook. This wrap is our best seller for Sheepshead but is effective for many fish. Fax: 850-488-7152. If you target sheepshead, then you need to have this rig in your arsenal. Line: 15 lb braid (Preferably UltraCast Invisi-Braid) Leader: 18" of 20-25lb fluorocarbon. Table of Contents show. Cons: It takes a long time to tie. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells .