February Sheepshead Peak

The water temps are hovering in the high 50s, and that has the Sheepshead bite officially peaking. If you’ve been waiting for the zebra-stripes to school up on the pilings, now is the time to hit the planks. We’re seeing consistent action on both the north and south piers, especially during the tide changes.

The Target: Sheepshead & Black Drum

The Sheepshead are the main event right now. Most keepers are coming in between 3 and 5 pounds, with a few larger “crushers” being caught on the deeper pilings. They are hugging the structure tight, picking at barnacles, so you need to be precise with your drops.

Along with the sheepies, a solid school of Black Drum has been moving through the deeper spans. They’re active during the day, while the Silver Trout are still providing a strong night bite under the pier lights.

Pro-Tips for the Pier

• Leader Choice: In this clear winter water, the fish can be picky, but the barnacles are still razor-sharp. Skip the expensive fluorocarbon—it doesn’t handle the abrasion of the concrete pilings as well as you’d think. Use TrikFish camo leader. It blends in perfectly with the encrusted structure and has the toughness to survive a scrape when a big one tries to wrap you.

• Bait: We are fully stocked with live shrimp, which is the go-to for the drum and trout. For the sheepshead, small pieces of shrimp or fiddler crabs are the ticket. We also have the largest selection of frozen bait in the state if you’re looking to chum or need bulk back-up.

• The Rig: A small #1 or 1/0 hook with just enough weight to keep your line vertical in the current is all you need. If you’re searching for a bait shop near you that knows the exact depth the fish are holding today, stop by and see us on your way to the bridge.

Monday Pier Q&A

Q: Where is the best spot on the pier right now? A: Look for the deeper pilings near the end of the open sections. The fish are holding where the current breaks around the structure.

Q: What if I can’t find fiddler crabs? A: Small pieces of fresh shrimp and shucked clams are working just as well. The key is to keep the bait small so the sheepshead can’t just peck it off the hook.

Q: Is the night bite better than the day? A: For trout, yes. But for the sheepshead and drum, the daytime moving tides have been the most productive.

Fill the Cooler

The February run doesn’t last forever. If you’re looking for a fishing bait shop near you with fresh stock and the right gear for the Skyway, we’re ready for you. Grab some shrimp, rig up with that TrikFish camo leader, and get out there while the bite is hot.

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