Will sheepshead eat mussels?

Shucked like an oyster, the large mussels can yield enough bait for 3-4 drops. Fishing whole mussels usually yields solid hook-ups, as a sheepshead has to take the entire bait in its mouth. When sheepshead congregate around docks, bridges and piers, many baits will work.

What is the best bait to catch sheepshead on?

Catching Sheepshead

While a big variety of baits will work, Fiddler Crabs are best, small Live Shrimp, Sand Fleas and Oysters.
No matter which bait you choose you will need to fish right next to the pilings or structure.
As said earlier Sheepshead are excellent eating.
Finely shred cabbage, carrot and cucumber.

Do sheepshead eat zebra mussels?

Zebra mussels — the European shellfish clogging up water intakes throughout the Great Lakes in recent years — have a natural enemy: the common sheepshead. The humble freshwater drum — better known to anglers here as the sheepshead — eats zebra mussels by the bucketful, a Buffalo State College researcher says.

Are clams good for sheepshead?

It takes plenty of fiddlers for a day of sheepshead fishing, so many anglers freeze them ahead of time, spending off-fishing days collecting bait. Any other crab makes good sheepshead bait and there are many tiny species of crabs that work. The bigger “chowder” clams are the best sheepshead bait.

How do you hook a whole mussel?

Slide your bait hook around the thickest part of the mussel, keeping the mussel close to the hook for now. Curve the mussel a bit, and then pierce the flesh a second and third time, if possible, to put as much flesh as possible through the hook. Then, slide the entire mussel up the hook.

What is the best time of day to catch sheepshead?

The best time to fish for Sheepshead is during the incoming and outgoing tides – preferably both so you want to target a day when high tide is near midday. High tides cover the structure with water and the tidal flows move tasty crustaceans within reach of the hungry Sheepshead.

How do you attach a mussel to a hook?

the best way to use mussel is to pile it on a baiting needle and then use whipping thread to form a sausage shape then just cut off what you need to fill your hooks good luck and cheers john.

How do you hook mussels to carp?

How to put the mussels for fishing? Slide the hook around the thickest part of the shell and hold the blue cutter close to the hook for now. Slightly fold the mussels in, then prick the meat a third and third time, if possible, to get as much meat from the hook as possible. Then slide the whole shape into the hook.

Where can I catch a good Sheepshead fish?

Today, sheepshead are no longer considered consolation fish. They are hard fighting and great to eat. Anglers can catch them offshore, inshore, and from fishing piers. They’re great fun for adults and children alike.

Where to get the best CHUM for Sheepshead?

Another successful way to chum for sheepshead is by visiting your local oyster house or fish market. Often when a fish market cleans mussels and clams, they will throw away all the shells and the guts that are not edible. This makes for an excellent chum for sheepshead. Obtain a chum bag and through all the guts and shells into the bag.

Is the Sheepshead bite good for sea bass?

Sheepshead bite has been good inshore and off. Yeah I know……I’m ready for some sea bass too !! While we sold more than a few mussels over the years for “bait”, some going in bulk to B&M Bait I have not used them myself.

Where does a Sheepshead spend most of its time?

Let’s begin. Sheepshead spend most of the year out in the deeper, cooler water. When the temperature begins to drop, they move closer to shore and can be found wherever oysters, barnacles, or mussels form. Even marker posts.