By Brent Gaskill, Times Correspondent
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Getting hotter: Sheepshead have been a reliable target throughout the winter, and the action will only improve from now into early spring. The fish already have begun their annual migration down the bay as they move toward the passes for spawning. Males have gathered on many structures at the mouth of the bay and soon will be joined by larger females.
The bite: Sheepshead have a reputation for stealing bait right off the hook. Old-timers often joke about setting the hook before they bite in order not to miss them. The truth is they lose that characteristic at this time of year and feed aggressively with some strikes feeling more like grouper. Slowly raising the rod tip until the weight of the fish is felt then reeling quickly seems to work best.
Good eats: Sheepshead make excellent table fare and lend themselves to a variety of recipes. Their flesh is white, flaky and sweet. Some even believe sheepshead taste better than grouper. And with the current closure in place, they can make a fine substitute.
Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com or (727)510-1009.