Hook Size for Sheepshead?

[t65k3]

What kind of hook should I use for sheepshead?

I was told "the small the better" by the tackle shop;
I read "small circle hook" on line;
I read "Mutu light 1/0" on one of Florida fishing magazine two days ago.

Got real confused...... Trying to catch some for dinner......

Also, I saw a few good ones eating algae or seagrass around piling, not even interested in my live fiddler crabs........ I searched a bit on line, it says their diet ~70% seedgrass and algae and stuff, only >10% of crabs and shells......

What's the best bait you've used?

Thanks~~~

[sneakypete]

Try a small piece of shrimp - no bigger than the end joint of your forefinger - on a size 2 stainless hook.
Pete

[shadow]

I agree with Pete, the best bait I have used for them is shrimp. I have caught them on 1/4 jig heads but it seems like smaller hooks would probably work better.

[joneugene]

I use khale red hooks 1/0 or 2/0 baited with shrimp and can fill a ice chest most of the time i like to use a wire leader there teeth can play havoc with your line

[t65k3]

Thanks, guys.

When you mentioned "shrimp", will frozen ones work? Or I have to get those live ones and cut them fresh......?

[joneugene]

frozen work fine thats what i use most of the time

[tcain24]

Where r u catching sheepshead this time of the year?

[t65k3]

Where r u catching sheepshead this time of the year?

I could still see them at spots between Panama and Pensacola. I read an article saying that Apalachicola has lots of them in January.

[joneugene]

Well I fish in South Louisiana and we catch them on oyster reefs and around docks at this time of the Year

[JSC]

Where r u catching sheepshead this time of the year?

Here on the Choctawhatchee the Highway 331 Bay Bridge around the Pileins can be real good.
JSC