Are the sheepshead in yet?

bigfinn35

Just moved down from DC after 5 years living away from Sarasota/Venice. Did a bit of wading this morning but I'm curious if anyone's been seeing sheepshead on shallow structure yet. Usually I'd say it's too early but the water seems to be getting chilly. Anyone had success recently or should I hold off on gathering up some fiddlers?

Scoutboat

A little early. 

Kayak_Pete

I got a monster off Sanibel couple of weeks ago in 83° water.

fliesnlies

Picked up a couple of keepers and a lot of nice whiting off of Caspersen Beach last week on sand fleas.  Water was 81 degrees.

Beastie

Beastie

Caught this one yesterday November 28th on a large white bait.
 Never caught one on live sardine before.

bigfinn35

That is indeed a weird occurrence. Caught a few decent ones on fiddlers this week, but I'm betting the bite will pick up after the front tomorrow.

deweychop

Caught a few in Estero Bay with live shrimp on an oyster bed. Kinda surprised us.

Fishinfool86

Yep.  Hammered them mixed with reds and black drum last weekend in sarasota bay wading. channels and docks.  Then went and waded some shallow flat with sand holes and artificials and found some BIG trout 22-26 inches, and a couple overslot reds, noticed some sheepies running the edges of the oyster bars

bigfinn35

Fishinfool86 said:

Yep.  Hammered them mixed with reds and black drum last weekend in sarasota bay wading. channels and docks.  Then went and waded some shallow flat with sand holes and artificials and found some BIG trout 22-26 inches, and a couple overslot reds, noticed some sheepies running the edges of the oyster bars

Niiiiiice. What area of the bay? Been wading up around Indian beach a lot and getting tons of big trout, but the docks there are pretty shallow to be holding many sheeps from what I've seen. 

Fishinfool86

Deeper channel edges, or oyster bars with deep water drop off.  Closer to the passes.

I would assume they are on the double bridges too

bigfinn35

Fishinfool86 said:

Deeper channel edges, or oyster bars with deep water drop off.  Closer to the passes.

I would assume they are on the double bridges too

Definitely saw a ton at the St Armand's bridge last week. They weren't eating anything I put down on my usual rigs though. 

bullbay

Yes 😀

Dodger

Those are studs!  General location?  Heading out Sunday to target sheepies.  Estero Bay area.  Thanks!

Kayak_Pete

bullbay said:

Yes 😀

Earlier when I said I caught a monster.    I stand corrected.

bullbay

These fish were caught over a wreck in 30' of water on pieces of shrimp on a 1/0 hook... all big females avg was about 22 inches and 8 pounds