Sheepshead part4

Rods and Reels for Sheepshead

Sheepshead fishing is usually fairly straight forward when it comes to the types of rods and reels you need. Since the fish do occupy a wide range of habitats however, there are some slight variations in the gear needed to get the job done in those areas. Here is a guide to using the right tackle and where to use it.

A Spinning Rod and Reel for Sheepshead Fishing

A spinning rod and reel combination is by far the most commonly used when targeting sheepshead. A medium spinning reel is all you need for a good day of sheepshead fishing. Typically, the amount (in yards) of line will be displayed on the side of the spool. Go for a spinning reel that can hold between 10-to- 14-lb. test line.

The “Perfect” Spinning Rod and Reel for Sheepshead:

• A 7 foot spinning rod with fast or extra-fast action.

  Remember that sheepshead have very hard, bony mouths, making hook sets particularly difficult. Using a rod with fast action will allow more pressure for either (1) allowing a circle hook to set itself, or (2) setting the hook with a sharp baited jig.

• A Spinning reel with a low gear ratio.

  Simply put, the gear ratio affects how many revolutions the spool undergoes for each full revolution of the handle. The higher the ratio, the faster you can reel in a fish. Conversely, the lower the ratio, the slower, but the more leverage you will have. Since leverage is important for lifting sheepshead out of the deep structures, a lower gear ratio gives you more power for reeling in the big one.

• A medium spinning reel with 10-to-12 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line.

  Being invisible is crucial to getting a bite. Braided line is therefore not recommended for targeting sheepshead. The size of the line is just as important. Sticking around 10-to-12 pound test is a safe bet that your line won’t be visible, but will be strong enough for a big fish.

Using Baitcasting Rods and Reels for Sheepshead

If you’re looking to target sheepshead from very tall piers and around deep structures, you may want to consider a Baitcasting, or “Conventional” reel. These reels actually sit on top of the rod, and retrieve line in a parallel motion. That gives you more leverage for lifting those five-to-ten pounders out from the rocks, or from wrapping you around the pilings.

The Perfect Baitcasting Rod for Sheepshead Fishing would be:

• A Seven Foot casting rod with a fast action.

  Similar to a spinning rod, the fast action on a casting rod will give you the same extra hook-setting power you need to hook up a sheepshead.

• A Conventional Reel with 12 to 14-lb. monofilament of fluorocarbon line.

  Depending on your budget, use either full fluorocarbon line, or at least just a fluorocarbon leader when targeting sheepshead. Both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are more invisible to the fish than braided line, and are less prone to abrasion by structures.

Flyrods for Sheepshead Fishing

Fly fishing is certainly not the most common technique for catching sheepshead, but can be effective when done in the right areas. The best areas for targeting sheepshead on a fly include the shallow grass flats, inshore sandbars and near oyster reefs. As a general rule, fish the fly as you would for targeting Redfish on the flats, as sheepshead will be preying on similar food when in the grass flats.

To pick the perfect flyrod for snook fishing, consider the following:

• Flyrods come in different sizes, called “weights.” An 8-to-10 weight fly rod is strong enough to handle a large sheepshead, as well as that Redfish that may also be lurking nearby.
• A stiff, fast action rod will allow you to cast farther without spooking the fish, as well as give you more hook-setting power.
• Weight-forward fly line is recommended for all saltwater fly fishing.

A General Comment about Sheepshead Tackle

A few general rules apply to the rods and reel combinations you select for sheepshead fishing. Spinning tackle is cheap, easy, and effective. Spinning reels are easy to use, and perfectly effective for sheepshead fishing under all conditions.

Baitcasting tackle gives you more leverage. Baitcasting tackle does give you more power to lift fish out of structures. However, unless you already own a baitcasting setup, you don’t necessarily need to rush out and buy one for sheepshead.

When targeting sheepshead on the fly, fish like you would for a Redfish on the flats. Use an 8-to-10 weight fast-action rod to get the fly to the fish.