Sheepshead, also called convict fish because of their black and white stripes, often group up around barnacle-covered structures including pilings, rock piles, piers, jetties, and a variety of other spots. Spring fishing for sheepshead is popular with anglers of all levels because of their aggressive and sneaky feeding habits. While these fish are hardly a threat to people I don't hear any volunteers to get bit. If you have been fishing for sheepshead, you know these fish can punch above their weight. Whatever bait you’re using, make sure it’s firmly attached to the hook. These teeth are surprisingly good at eating bait cleanly off the hook without being detected. Sheepshead can also live as long as 20 years which makes more sense for the giant maximum size of this fish. With that being said a sheepshead that large would be truly exceptional. They can however, reach lengths of up to 35 inches and weigh as much as 20 pounds. Sheepshead are typically considered one of the smaller inshore species and generally only reach a weight of between 3-6 pounds. Taking a trip to the coast to target sheepshead is a low-pressure high reward experience that’s perfect for any angler. To make it even better, sheepshead have delicious light white meat perfectly suited to a variety of preparations. While maybe not as intimidating as the other fish on this list, sheepshead have a mouthful of teeth.įishing for sheepshead has become so popular because they can be found in calm waters, caught with relatively simple gear, and punch above their weight when hooked, all of which makes for an exciting and enjoyable trip. These fish are also called convict fish because of their black and white stripes that resemble old school prison clothes. Sheepshead are a popular fish because of their aggressive and sneaky eating habits. Also along these coasts, winter cold fronts push water out of the inshore areas, packing redfish in tight together and making them easy pickings. SheepsheadĪlong the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, sheepshead will keep up their feeding habits throughout the winter. They have white meat with a mild flavor that’s delicious in a variety of preparations. While they are sought after for their size, their meat is even more appealing. Black drum are truly inshore behemoths and can sometimes be found lurking in water less than 18 inches deep.īlack Drum are formidable fighters and while some anglers like to target them on the fly, landing a giant on a fly rod would be incredibly difficult. These fish commonly reach 30 pounds, but have been known to grow over 60 inches long and weigh over 100 pounds. At maturity black, drum measure 23 to 25 inches long and weigh about five pounds. How Big are Black Drumīlack drum also grow quickly and reach maturity at four to six years. They are generally a robust fish, tolerating a wide variety of water conditions and temperatures, although their range is not huge, extending only through the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Juvenile drum will be caught inshore while more mature fish can be found further out. Black drum are a nearshore and inshore fish found in many of the same areas as redfish. This means black drum are often found patrolling oyster beds and shell bottoms. Their teeth are rounded and located in the back of their throat, and used to crush oysters, shellfish, and other mollusks and crabs. It’s common to hear this “drumming” sound when the fish is out of the water. Black drum are from the croaker family which contains fish that produce a loud mating call with their air bladder. The black drum gets its name from the varying shades of gray that cover it’s body and the drumming sound they produce. What is a Black Drumīlack drum are a popular species of saltwater fish that are commonly overshadowed by their cousin the redfish. Here’s a breakdown of both species and what makes them unique. While these fish are both a blast to catch, there’s more to them than meets the eye. Black drum and sheepshead are two popular inshore fish on the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.
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