Best Times & Seasons to Catch Sheepshead in Florida
Sheepshead are one of the most common fish to catch in Florida. Knowing the best times to target sheepshead in Florida helps anglers plan their fishing trips successfully and achieve the best results.
The best times to catch sheepshead in Florida are from January to March and from November to December. Sheepshead are more active during the cooler months of the year.
Sheepshead can be found in the inshore fisheries near Florida. Different types of structures such as bridge pilings, docks, piers, mangroves, and sea walls attract sheepshead. SW Florida inlet is one of the best places to catch sheepshead in the region.
Sheepshead Fishing in Florida: Best Times
It’s possible to catch sheepshead in Florida waters year-round. However, the best months to catch sheepshead in the region are January – March and November – December. The worst months to catch sheepshead in Florida are May – September.
Sheepshead fishing is best in the morning and evening. Sheepshead feed actively when water levels are higher. That’s why it would be better to fish for sheepshead during a high tide. Sheepshead fishing is best during the outgoing tide.
Sheepshead get active in cooler waters. The optimum water temperature for sheepshead fishing in Florida is 50 – 70°F. The best water temperature to catch sheepshead is 60°F.
Best Seasons for Florida Sheepshead (by Region)
Florida Gulf Coast
Sheepshead fishing is possible on the Florida Gulf coast throughout the year. However, the best times of the year to catch sheepshead in the region are from January to April and in December. On the other hand, sheepshead usually go to deep waters during the summer months.
Sheepshead can be caught in inshore and nearshore waters of the Florida Gulf coast. When fishing on the Florida Gulf coast, anglers should aim to search for sheepshead in coastal oyster bars, near docks, and rock jetties. Oftentimes, fishermen have to go 30 miles offshore to catch sheepshead in the waters of the Gulf.
Among the best places to catch sheepshead in the waters of Florida Gulf Coast are Tampa Bay, from St. Petersburg to Bradenton, between Davis Island and Harbor Island, and near Ballast Point.
Florida Atlantic Coast
The best times of year to catch sheepshead in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are March – April and October – December.
There are many great fishing spots, where anglers can successfully catch sheepshead in the coastal Atlantic waters. A lot of sheepshead can be found in the area between Nova Scotia and Brazil. Anglers have to go several miles from land to target sheepshead on the Atlantic coast of Florida successfully.
Sheepshead can be found in shallow backwaters and near offshore reefs. It would be better to fish for sheepshead in the inshore waters of the Florida Atlantic coast during the winter months.
Florida Keys
Sheepshead fishing is excellent in the waters around the Florida Keys throughout the year. Sheepshead is the most active in the local waters from January to April and in December.
The shallow patch reefs and bridge pilings are the right places to target sheepshead in the Florida Keys and its surrounding waters.
Recommended Inshore Fishing Charters in Florida
These Florida-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Florida Professional Charters | Tampa, FL |
| Wet Lines Fishing | Clearwater, FL |
| Coastal Bound Charters | Palmetto, FL |
| Full Throttle Fishing Charters | Clearwater, FL |
| Always Somethin’ Charters | Daytona Beach, FL |
| Rebel Coast Charters | Clearwater, FL |
| Old Town Charters | Panama City Beach, FL |
| A-lure Fishing Charters | Crystal River, FL |
| Pharmasea Outfitters | Santa Rosa Beach, FL |
| Tide Flies Fishing Charters | Clearwater, FL |
| Infinite Fishing Charters | Santa Rosa Beach, FL |
| Island Excursions Fishing Charters | Marco Island, FL |
| Beaver’s Guide Service | Santa Rosa Beach, FL |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Surf Fishing Sheepshead
The season of surf fishing for sheepshead is high during the winter and spring months. The best months to enjoy surf fishing for sheepshead in Florida are January – April and in December. On the other hand, summer is the worst time of year to surf fish for sheepshead.
It would be better to surf fish for sheepshead in Florida either in the morning or in the evening during spring, summer, and fall months. However, surf anglers should target sheepshead in the middle of the day during the winter months.
Oftentimes, surf anglers feed actively at night. So, surf fishing for sheepshead can be very productive during the night hours. Surf anglers can catch sheepshead from beaches, bridges, docks, and piers.
Is Sheepshead Fishing Good in Winter?
Winter is the right time to go fishing for sheepshead in Florida waters. Sheepshead feed actively when waters are cooler. That’s why anglers have a better chance to catch sheepshead in winter.
Sheepshead bite well all winter. Winter sheepshead fishing is the most productive in Florida. Anglers should aim to fish for sheepshead in inshore waters during the winter time.
Night Fishing Sheepshead in Florida
Sheepshead is active at night. That means that sheepshead fishing in Florida can be very productive during the night hours.
The feeding habits of sheepshead depend a lot on the moon. That means that anglers should plan their fishing sheepshead trips with moon phases in mind. It’s important to know that sheepshead fishing is the most productive before and during the full moon.
It’s a great idea to fish for sheepshead at night during the summer months. The weather is hot in Florida in summer. Night fishing is a great way to avoid the heat during the summer months. But most importantly, water is cooler during the night hours and that’s why the activity of sheepshead increases.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tuna in Florida, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch sailfish in Florida, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch pompano in Florida, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch sheepshead in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch king mackerel in Florida, check out this guide.
