Why the time is now to catch ‘one of the most underrated local fish’ in Tampa Bay

With forecast temperatures dropping into the 40s for the week ahead, most anglers will probably opt to stay inland.

But around Tampa Bay, these temperatures will only start the peak season for one of the most underrated local fish to start firing off their yearly spawn.

“The spawn bite wasn’t quite on yet, but we got 10 keepers early in the week,” said Captain John Gunter, who specializes in nearshore and Tampa Bay fishing trips. “We then got a few on the reefs later in the week when hogfishing and they were full of roe, so I know it’s coming.”

What’s coming is the notorious bait stealing convict, sheepshead, to school up as their yearly spawning time is nearly upon us. When that happens, nearshore structures like the 7- and 3-mile artificial reef and bay reefs like Emerson, Egmont, Port Manatee and Bahia Beach seem to be the meetup spot for sheepshead congregations.

“I think with this weather it’ll start getting real good, and stay good until early March,” Gunter said. “They like the colder water and when it drops the fishing always seems to get better.

“When I can’t get to the bay or reefs even the bridges seem to hold a bunch. Basically any structure with growth on it is what they like.”

On trips this past week, Gunter fished for them around Longboat Key bridge and Cortez bridge. Fishing bits of shrimp on Sheepballs, he says feeling the bite is key.

“They’re quick to bite. With the Sheepball you can feel the bite more since the hook is on the lead. When the bite is really good you can almost have the bait hit the bottom, slightly crank it up and then it’s fish on. I use smaller pieces of shrimp and bring crabs as well. Until they’re in full spawn mode they seem to like the shrimp better than the crabs.”

Since sheepshead are crustacean eaters shrimp and crab are the proven baits. To present them, he positions his boat aggressively on structure, and tells his clients to fish right in it.

Fishing the bait right on the bottom gives it a natural presentation for sheepshead who tend to search for food on the structures themselves. A quick hook set is needed when feeling a bite.

While most sheepshead will be above the 12-inch size limit required for keeping, the time for big ones is now. Don’t be surprised if you see the occasional 20-inch trophy sized fish caught, with some pushing close to 10-pounds. Daily limit is eight-per person.

“When they’re in full spawn mode they’ll eat like crazy. That’s going to happen very soon,” Gunter said. “This week was just a preview of what’s to come.”

This story was originally published January 16, 2022 at 5:00 AM.