Florida targeted fish

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus · convict fish

Barnacle-crusted pilings, jetties, oyster, and any hard structure. Winter fish pin to docks and piers.

Season on this coast

A winter specialty. December through March is the surest table-fare bite on the coast.

Slow
Fair
Good
Prime

How to fish them

Fish vertically against the piling. Feel the tap and set — they steal bait. A small circle hook and a split shot is the whole program. Incoming tide around bridge fenders is classic.

Typical size. Pan-size 12–16 in; jumbo sheep over 6 lb around the Skyway and inlet rocks.

Bait

Fiddler crabs
Live shrimp
Oyster pieces
Barnacle

Regulations

Minimum size and bag are published by FWC. They are excellent table fare; keep what you will eat.

Captain’s brief

What’s biting, and where to start

Sign in and ask for a one-page briefing for a city, a month, and a target fish. Written for this coast — not a generic chatbot.