The Crystal River has to have become one of the most popular bowfishing spots in Florida. 15-Nov. Atlantic Seasons Calendar. None. The FWC is seeking public input on the bay scallop season for the Pasco County Zone at a virtual workshop being held on Nov. fishing Created Date: 11/16/2023 1:56:32 PM. civil lawsuit attorney miami sheepshead florida size limitSHEEPSHEAD FISH. Top: UF 238037 Bottom: UF 187942 Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall. They can be found throughout the Great Lakes and their tributary streams. 15. 26 15 fish at 13 inches Nov. Fiddler crabs are widely considered to be the best bait for sheepshead. 2. Species Codes for Trip Ticket Reporting: Food and Bait Code: 201 - Sheepshead. The western Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico are common places to find them. The 2023-2024 State Rules and Regulations Guide has been updated online and is available for download. Three anal spines. Our comprehensive guide turns you into a steward of the seas while enjoying your favorite pastime. Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Until 2015, there were no size limits on sheepshead. The sheepshead is a staple of southern fishing communities where they are targeted and eaten in states like Florida and Louisiana. The most common of these is the bottle-nosed dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus), mistakenly called porpoises. So, whether you are looking to specifically get on sheepshead, or are just looking for an awesome day of fishing – he is your go-to local pro. A saltwater fishing license is required for ALL PERSONS FISHING OR POSSESSING FISH IN SALTWATER AREAS OF ALABAMA. Seeing a sheepshead fish is a bizarre sight to see. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission enacted several changes to the management of tripletail and sheepshead. More Articles You Might Like. A Carolina rig with a #1 hook seems to work well as it generally places the bait down near the bottom where most of the sheepshead hang out. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit. The majority of sheepshead landed in 2020 were between 10 inches and 15 inches FL (Figure 5). probatocephalus (both lack barbels on lower jaw) Sheepshead are biting around birdges and most structures. NCWILDLIFE. Federal regulations apply in state waters. The state did not manage recreational sheepshead catch until 2014. Gulfbound Glory: Emerald Coast. She’s tracking the fish to understand their movement patterns, and how this. STEP #6 – KILL IT. When in doubt, your. ORG STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT . 3- 6. Learn more. C. Snatching prohibited. Know Your Florida Fish: Black Grouper, Gag, and Red Grouper (PDF, 1. Why: A 2019 federal stock assessment found Atlantic bluefish is overfished. Size: Up to 36 inches (20 pounds); common to 2 pounds. Daily Bag Limit: 6 per harvester. The fertilized eggs float in the offshore water. 241) This spot now sees a lot of pressure but the sheepshead are still there. 4 sheepshead fillets – skinless and boneless; 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise; Salt and cracked black pepper, to season; Garlic powder, to season; GARLIC PARMESAN CRUMBLE. It is a large, round-profiled, silver humpbacked fish. Saltwater Fishing Pier License (Annual): Issued to an owner, operator or custodian of a pier; covers everyone saltwater fishing from that pier. There are also plenty of public docks suitable for shore fishing. The key is to keep the bait as close as possible to the piling. Permit inside the SPZ. Black Drum and Sheepshead are two fish species that always catch my attention. black drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Florida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp. Body is copper-bronze, fading to a lighter belly. Northwest Region 850-265-3676 Regional Office 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409 Carrabelle Field Office 287 Graham Drive Carrabelle, FL 32322 Pensacola Field Office 1101 East Gregory Street. The new bag limit for sheepshead will be eight fish per person decreasing from 15 fish. Cobia: New bag and size limits for state waters. NCWILDLIFE. Dolphin: Bag limit is 5 fish per day per angler. Whatever bait you’re using, make sure it’s firmly attached to the hook. Before you hit the water, check the latest regulations to ensure you’re compliant with current licensing requirements, species limits, and more. com. One fish bag limit, 28-32 inches, snook stamp. In 1925 the Legislature first enacted length measurements for marine finfish. Recreational Size and Bag Limits. Preheat the grill to high heat. Sheepshead, black drum. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. 10 per person per day not to exceed 30 per boat per day. In both fisheries, sublegal fish (<10 inches FL) are still being harvested (Tables 3 and 4; Figure 6). Easily find a Tampa Bay fishing guide that fits your needs. Here. Line. The recreational bag limit for sheepshead was cut to eight fish per person per day, down from 15. In Florida, sheepshead have specific size and bag limits that must be followed in order to avoid legal penalties and help preserve population sustainability. “They have fairly large ribs and a very large head that take up most of their body. Sheepshead, Still Cold, Hiding In The Passes, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Saturday, January 20, 2018. 75 / 5 stars; guides from $350. Submission Requirements for Florida Saltwater Fishing Records. Join us at our dock or on the water this winter – or any time of year. January 3, 2021Lionel James. Lightly oil the grill grate. 24 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations • 2004-2005 SCDNR South Carolina Rules & Regulations • 2004-2005 25. Meridian St. . For any fish for which spearing is prohibited by law. Look for it in the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android. Before taking part in this fishery please call 251-861-2882 or 215-968-7576 or explore this website for updated information. When it comes to comparing black drum and sheepshead fish, there’s a noticeable difference in size. 91-kilogram (2-pound) sheepshead. Always check regulations since they are open to change at any time without warning. ”. Fish Rules -. Be sure to check the regulations in your area before you go fishing. convict fish or zebra fish have already started gathering in good numbers across our region around bridge, dock and pier pilings. The following is a list of regulated saltwater species and their corresponding rule chapter number to assist you with locating the rule you seek. With a strong current, this is often easier a mere 4 or 5 feet from the. Clear water can make for edgy fish, but most of the time sheepshead and redfish spook only from sloppy lure/fly/bait presentations or high-waving rods. All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528: Black Drum : Not less than 14" or more than 24" 5 per person per day: May posses one over 24" Bluefish : 12" fork : 10 per person per day : Bonefish: 18" 1 per person per day: Illegal to buy and sell. 5-pound swordfish caught Saturday out of Pirates Cove Marina in Stuart. In the inshore realm, Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are very popular catches. See all trips in Cedar Key. For more Florida fishing regulations visit . This is most likely due to fishermen being unaware of changes in regulations, and/or confusing sheepshead and black drum regulations. Note: In Florida, there are a wide range of places to fish and we could not possibly list them all. com. This species has moderately compressed – almost oval – deep and. Fishing for sheepshead by recreational fishers has gone down since 2008, however there was a spike of activity in 2013 when the federal government dropped protections for this fish. Add the fillets and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side till it turns brown and flaky. But this year the sheepshead fishing may not be so good, at least for people want to stock up on a day's limit of 15. Sheeps are a highly sought after inshore species that is a challenge to catch. Other local species include Trout, Jack Crevalle, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Ladyfish, Mackerel, Flounder, and a variety of Sharks. A high end pair of sunglasses will run about $250 and a lower end pair will run you about $25 with glass lenses. ;. (New) When fishing for reef fish using hook-and-line with natural baits from a vessel, non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks are required N. Repealer and new. As juveniles, they eat any soft-bodied animals they can find and a variety of small, shelled. Snatching prohibited; Vessel limit of 50 fish during March and April;. Make sure that the rod is rated for saltwater because any corrosion on the eyes can lead to an abrasive surface that could compromise the integrity of the line that passes through them. crystalriverguideservice@gmail. Florida Pompano Fishing Regulations. Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs) Probably one of the top 3 baits to use to catch sheepshead has to be sand fleas. 3 square miles near the visitor center at park headquarters. Complete rules for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may be found on the Web site for the Chapter 68B of the Florida Administrative Code. 29). Vessel limit is 30 fish per day. Sheepshead are members of the porgy family. The folks from Fishbites will be on hand for a fishing event on the pier near the clubhouse (3431 S. 50. FWC on Thursday approved multiple changes to the management plans for sheepshead and tripletail. Size limit: 14 inches. Florida Pompano Size Limit Evaluation. The purpose of this rule amendment is to provide for the further conservation of sheepshead by modifying the regulations found in 68B-59, Florida Administrative Code. But in better news, these are year-round fish in almost all of Florida’s waters. Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676Harvest closes Jan. At certain times of the year they are plentiful along the edge of the surf. Only 1 fish can be gag or black • Gulf - 4 per harvester* Grouper, Scamp ul Minimum Size Limits: Atlantic - 20" Gulf - 16" Atlantic - Closed Jan. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Click on the species for up-to-date closures and regulations. Sprinkle lemon juice on top and serve with lemon wedges. 6. Sheepshead grow quickly up to age 6, and then their growth slows. Atlantic Daily Possession Limit: 2 per person (excludes Monroe County) Gulf Daily Possession Limit: 3 per person (includes Monroe County) Min Length: 24-inch fork length. Many local anglers have reported a decreased number of sheepshead over the last few years. Hours. p. of 28 ° N. Dark olive color on back. Hogfish: Harvest opens May 1, 2023. 2011) . Media contact: Emily Abellera, 850-404-6100 Release Date: 07-13-2022 All Articles Tags: Fishing Saltwater Regulations Commission. These fishing regulations began on May 1, 2022, for state waters. The photo above shows an adult, top, and a juvenile, bottom, sheepshead. Report online, via the mobile app, or by calling 800. Sparidae), from the northwest coast of Florida, Bulletin of Marine Science, 68(1): 69–83. Polarized sunglasses are a must for sheepshead fishing. Know Your Florida Fish: Black Grouper, Gag, and Red Grouper (PDF, 1. Red snapper: July. That’s why we just have to mention some of the fish that are the stars of the area. Fish Wild Serv Biol Rep 82 (11. S Army Corps of Engineers, TR EL-82-4. The sheepshead fish or the striped bandit is an inshore fishing species that is typically fished for and caught in the winter months when they congregate for the spawn. Sheepshead fish bite during cold Gulf of Mexico waters, attracting nearshore and offshore rocks. Many local anglers have reported a decreased number of sheepshead over the last few years. Anadromous (coastal) striped bass above the fall line in all coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay. Florida has size and bag limits on many types of fish, including those caught while . However, your fish must be a minimum fork length of 10 inches, and you’re allowed a maximum of six Pompano each. No Location Set 26° 56′ 33. The Duratech Crab by Savage Gear is an artificial lure that is particularly effective when used to bottom fish for sheepshead, especially around seawalls. The season will reopen on September 1 for 3-day weekends in September, October and November (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) as well as Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. Daily Limit: 1*. ) range are occasionally landed (Manooch 1984). C. Head out for a half, 3/4 or full day Epic Fishing trip in the beautiful Florida Keys fishing for Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Permit, Mangrove Snapper, Shark, Goliath Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, and much more!Sheepshead 10” FL 10/Day No Federal Regulations Black Drum (C) 14”. A summary of recreational fishing regulations for Florida waters can be found by visiting FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management saltwater fishing regulations Web page. Closed Nov. open menu. Another popular alternative is to use a bare jig, ranging from 1/4 ounce for structure in 8 to 10 feet of water and moderate tidal flow up to 3 ounces for depths to 40. Similar Species: No close resemblance, but frequently called angelfish by mistake. Cobia spawn in coastal bays and estuaries several times throughout their spawning season, which lasts. Sheepshead gather near reefs, docks, jetties, and pilings, as well as hard or rocky bottoms that have deep holes and channels in them. 44/56 : Development 68B-59. Recreational Size and. In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection, Recreation and Parks. Bluefish . Indian River County Offshore: It may be too rough to head offshore in a small boat, but those going on larger boats can have a chance. Home; Advanced Search; MyFLRules; Rules Open for Comments; Rule Chapter: 68B-36 Chapter Title: BLACK DRUM: Add to MyFLRules Favorites: View Chapter: 68B-36. Watch this video for instructions on. Revised: December 2022. At 20 years old, males average a little over 4 pounds and females about 5½ pounds. Regulations (state and federal waters unless noted) Florida Pompano. Speckled Trout: 4 fish per person per day. 20202498: 3/21/2018 Vol. After a long day of fishing Sheepshead around pilings, I recommend removing 10’-15’ of the braid. *Note - Regulations on this page apply to Gulf flounder, Southern flounder, summer flounder and fringed flounder. Several changes to the management of tripletail and sheepshead go into effect July 1, including:Behavior: Sheepshead are fractional spawners ( they only lay a portion of their eggs at a time ) in inshore waters, typically in March and April. Tail-shape concave. Sheepshead. With that comes epic numbers of sheepshead, redfish and trout! Lots of mangrove snappers around as well. 525 W083 09. 113-174. latitude. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. One fish bag limit, 28-32 inches, snook stamp required. Hop on a charter and start for your search for Bull Redfish, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Sharks, and more. A high end pair of sunglasses will run about $250 and a lower end pair will run you about $25 with glass lenses. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to MyFWC. Damn Good Guide. Southwest Florida offers incredible fishing for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike. fluorocarbon leader and a split-shot squeezed on the line about 8. Flounder. Captain and crew may not be included in limit. Head out with Captain Cory for fishing at its best, Destin is known as "The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village"! You will be fishing on a 26' Crevalle Open, powered by a 350 4-stroke Mercury outboard. Permit, all other state and federal waters outside the SPZ. Nick Honachefsky. Sheepshead. Take your Official Florida Bowhunter Education Course Online for free, pay when you pass. Regulations. Current Proclamations. This fish weighed in at 15 pounds 2 ounces. Prolific females can release up to 250,000 eggs each time. A 1/8th oz. 50. State records for the heaviest marine fishes caught in Florida waters, or in federal waters extending directly outward of Florida state line boundaries, are maintained for 81 species in conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Pensacola. Online booking; 4. com. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. C. Egg sinkers threaded on above a swivel work VERY well when fishing for sheepshead. braided line. There is no minimum length limit. to 4:30 p. 10pp. 894. The temporary Lower Laguna Madre restrictions, effective March 16, 2022, to August 31, 2023, drop the per-day bag limit to three fish and the slot size limit to 17-23 inches. captjaycemassaro@gmail. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side. Use small 1/4. 7:10 – TikTok surprise. Texas is known for its sheephead fishing. See the list of weigh stations. Just use a sand flea rake and scoop them out of the swash zone after you have identified a stretch of beach holding them. In this article, we’ll dive into the drum vs Sheepshead debate. Florida anglers have to figure out Florida’s extensive laws before fishing for red drum, or any fish. Harvest closes Jan. Alphabetical Listing. reports Capt. Average size is 2 to 6 pounds. Sheepshead is one of the many fish you’ll find in Florida this time of year. 31 Black Sea Bass 10 fish at 13 inches May 17 – June 19 2 fish at 13 inches July 1 – August 31 10 fish at 13 inches Oct. Closes . SHEEPSHEAD FISHING TIPS (BEST LURES, RIGS, & MISTAKES TO AVOID) HOW TO RIG FIDDLER CRABS TO CATCH MORE SHEEPSHEAD; 3-STEP METHOD TO STOP MISSING SHEEPSHEAD BITES; Related categories: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Sheepshead, Weekly Newsletter: 2-7-21; Subscribe. One glance at the picture of a sheepshead fish might make you. Mark Thomas of Tampa among others, is a 1/8- to ¼-ounce jighead with an oversized hook, size 1/0 or so, on which a piece of fresh cut shrimp, about. (Black drum have chin barrbles and lack incisor-like teeth. Markwith acknowledged that sheepshead fishing is gaining popularity as regulations have changed for flounder and trout seasons. Size 1/0 to 3/0 short-shank, 2X-strong hooks are preferred. Sheepshead are easily identified by their broad body with telltale black vertical stripes that many have renamed the convict fish. 3 - For openings and closings of federally regulated fish and updated. 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese;Sheepshead fish, which are also called Archosargus probatocephalus, is a type of fish in the family of Sparidae. Best gear for sheepshead: If you are going to be fishing for sheepshead all day you will definitely need to protect your eyes and skin from the sun's harmful rays. Male Fiddler Crab. As North Florida gets colder, the sheepshead bite gets better. Scientific name: Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792) Common name: Sheepshead. For the entire state, redfish must be between 18” and 27” in length to be harvested. Permits required. He had a rod in hand and bucket of Asian crabs tied along his waist. Find Your Number Below, then Scroll Down. Sheepshead are aggregate spawners like most fish species. Among these are: spotted seatrout, red drum, black drum, flounders, whiting, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and crevalle jack. 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Most anglers are after the “Big 3” – Tarpon, Redfish, and Snook. ". 1. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. The IFGA world record for sheepshead is 21 pounds 4 ounces caught in New Orleans Louisiana while the Florida record sits at 15 pounds 2 ounces caught in Homosassa. $2,001. • Gulf grouper aggregate bag limit is 4 fish which means that no harvester can retain more than 4 Gulf grouper in any combination of species. n. Possession of spearfishing equipment is. SHEEPSHEAD. Before baking, add lemon juice to impart citric flavor to the meat. Before taking part in this fishery please call 251-861-2882 or 251-968-7576 for updated information. Spotted Seatrout: 15″ – 22″ Slot Size, Possession Limit: 6 fish per person per day. They tend to avoid strong currents, so be sure to look for them around the backside, where they’re more protected. But they’re at risk of overconsumption, so you’ll have to ease off between mid-October and the end of November. See the list of weigh stations. 1. Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs) Probably one of the top 3 baits to use to catch sheepshead has to be sand fleas. What is the biggest sheepshead caught in Florida? 15 pounds 2 ounces Florida Sheepshead State Record Back in 1981, angler, E. Anglers fishing for tunas in Louisiana state or federal are subject to both state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. May 2 Opens . First and second dorsal fins separated. This is a good reason to swim with at least one buddy when you go spearfishing. Harvest closed from Nov. To receive a paper copy by mail, send $3 cash or check per map to: Coastal Georgia Fishing Maps. Locations. You’ll also heat your kitchen up to 150 degrees. STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT . See full list on saltwatermecca. 006(3), F. 1. These black and silverish gold striped fish makes for great table fare. SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC. Youth and veterans only: November 11 and February 3. Hit the inshore flats as shallow as 2–4 feet for the best results. com. for Saltwater Fish Note: Fishery Regulations are subject to change. a. Size limit: 36 inches fork lenght. com Florida has changed their sheepshead rules and regulations in 2018 to better protect sheepshead. 35 MB) Fish Measurement: Many of the fish caught in Tampa Bay have a minimum length required before they can be kept; some have a maximum. Females will lay 14,000 to 250,000 eggs per spawn, with the average being 87,000 eggs. Indian River County Offshore: The winds will be increasing the next few days, but when weather allows, the snapper bite on the reefs is. Captain and crew may not be included in limit. Fresh from Florida. Reopens Sept. Florida's 2023 Gulf red snapper season will open on June 16 and run consecutively through July 31, 2023. Must remain in whole condition (removal of gills and guts allowed). December is one of the. 6 MB) Know Your Florida Fish: King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel (PDF, . – Extending all of the FWC’s recreational and commercial regulations for this species into federal waters (including the new bag and vessel. Pretty much anything that has barnacles and small crabs on it will have sheepshead nearby. Groupers. Adults have flat, spade-shaped bodies with pointed dorsal and anal fins and a blunt snout. Florida Recreational . These fish measurement methods provide a consistent, well-defined. He had a rod in hand and bucket of Asian crabs tied along his waist. Gulf of Mexico Federal Regulations (9 miles +) South Atlantic Federal Regulations (3 miles +) Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Ponce de Leon Inlet: This is where a lot of the inshore action happens. A small floor scraper on a wooden handle is run up and down the pilings just. Minimum size: 18″ to 27″. All Year. Mosquito Lagoon. FWC also created a recreation-vessel limit of 50 sheepshead per vessel per trip during the months of March and April. One of my favorite places in the world to fish for sheepshead ("Atlantic Sheepshead") is a fishing pier at Vilano Beach, Florida. When targeting migrating sheepshead, Sagerholm uses a baitcasting rod with 30-pound braid on a drop-shot rig. 1. Minimum Size Limits: • •12" fork length Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - 10 per harvester (includes MonroeFederal Regulations: Federal Atlantic: 13" TL, 7 fish per person. 7:. After their first year, sheepshead average 10 inches fork length (FL), at this size less than 50% of the fish are sexually mature (McDonough et al. This is the result of a scouting trip just a day ago, December 28th: If you are ready to start planning, start here. Grill fillets for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Western Panhandle: Escambia County through t he portions of Gulf County west of longitude 85 degrees, 13. Top 5 Facts About Sheepshead Fish in Michigan Known for their fierce feeding habits and striking appearance with. Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution: PRINT PUBLISH DATE: 3/21/2018 Vol. To ensure the sustainability of these species and preserve the ecosystem, it’s crucial to understand Louisiana’s regulations on saltwater fish limits. Inlet Harbor: The epicenter of fishing in Ponce Inlet. By Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Staff (FWC) Measuring Your Fish (MEASURING A SALTWATER FISH. Regulations on Sheepshead Fishing and Consumption. Division of Marine Fisheries Management. Recommended: Deck Boat vs Bowrider. Distribution. Cobia: New bag and size limits for state waters. k. While baking, you need to reduce the heat to around 350 degrees and cook for about 15 minutes. Black Bay Jailbreak — Fishing tips for sheepshead. 5 to 6. Georgia ~ 14 lb 4 oz, 2002. A catch of Spanish mackerel under the minimum size limit is allowed equal to five percent by weight of the total catch of Spanish mackerel on board a trawler. Until 2015, there were no size limits on sheepshead. Sheepshead: 12″ Min, Possession Limit: 10 fish per person per day. General Regulations: • Gulf grouper regulations apply to all state waters of the Gulf except off Monroe County (where Atlantic rules apply). FOR INLAND WATER FISHING REGULATIONS, CALL WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION 919-707-0220 OR WWW. 34 , Seasonal and area closures designed to protect Gulf reef fish. Dolphin: Bag limit is five fish per day per angler. Pelvic spine and first two anal spines are pale. At. They are able to reproduce when they are young—females mature at age 3 and males mature at age 2. Minimum Size Limits: • •12" fork length Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - 10 per harvester (includes Monroe Reef fish gear required: Gulf: non-stainless-steel, non-offset circle hooks; dehooking device. FWC also created a recreation-vessel limit of 50 sheepshead per vessel per trip during the months of March. Use a couple feet of 8-10 lb. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to MyFWC. Maintain a firm grip on the fish to prevent it from slipping. Federal regulations apply in state waters. Select a rod that is matched to the reel and is rated for 10-30 pound line. Alligator: Hunt season opens Aug. January 3, 2021Lionel James. Vessel limit is 30 fish per day. The best water temperature to catch sheepshead is 60°F. These teeth are surprisingly good at eating bait cleanly off the hook without being detected. If released, please do not remove the tag. Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit).