Fishing Tips; Contact Us; Fishing Tips. Furthermore, you’ll want to keep your flies streamline, simple, and short. Crankbaits. The author unhooks an 11-pound sheepshead from a favorite jetty of his during an early fall visit. 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. Dropshot: VMC Spinshot Drop-Shot Hooks. 1. Make the leader about 30 inches long and tie the hook directly to the leader but use a single swivel between the leader and reel line. For fishing with crankbaits, treble hooks are typically used. But, if you’re targeting really big Sheepshead. Dubiel’s VMC weighted hooks range from 1⁄16- to ¼-ounce. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. Carolina rig: one-ounce egg sinker on running line tied to swivel; 12- to 18-inch, 40-pound leader running from swivel to hook;. Two hooks also allow you to test two different baits to see what the fish are eating. This size hook is small enough to get into the Sheepshead mouth, but big enough to not snap when a big girl hits. Other circular style hooks can work equally well. A larger hook size can be used for larger worms, while a smaller one can be used for finesse fishing techniques. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. These crabs are somewhat delicate, but at the same time are a fairly hardy bait that stays. A couple of his fares also reeled in Spanish mackerel. The larger sheepshead can feast on crabs, words, fish, and a different variety of crustaceans. Deschenes suggests two different rigs to fish for sheepshead. Size 7/0 to 8/0 for larger reds and 4/0 to 6/0s for smaller fish is good starting point. Sheepshead, on the other hand will rarely get over 10 to 12 pounds. The sweep of an 8-foot rod helps, as does a sharp hook and braided line. My go-to rig for catching sheepshead around structure is a dropper rig. Another thing to keep in mind with these baits is that fresh is best. Made with feather light IM7 graphite blanks with D16 nanotech and unique carbon fiber design. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. For pier fishing targeting sheepshead, opt for sizes 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks or J-hooks. The sheepshead is found in coastal waters along the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil, but the greatest concentration is around southwest Florida. Many anglers only target sheepshead when fishing. What is a Sheepshead FishThe best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Gamakatsu octopus hooks size #2 or #1 work well but keep in mind that the #1 hook is a thinner wire hook and on larger sheepshead and drum, you could risk bending the hook. No hook set is required. Fiddler crabs are arguably the best bait for Sheepshead. Sometimes confused with: black drum, spadefish. Have caught 5 sheepshead in two trips, but have lost NUMEROUS amounts of them. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. The best hook size for Sheepshead is a #1 to #2, which is about ½ inch in diameter. Soft baits for Sheepshead. Of course, if you are using crab an exposed hook is not much of a concern because it looks like another leg sticking out. These fish are often found around pylons of bridges/piers, rock piles. My go to rod for sheepshead the TFO Professional Series – particularly a 7’0 ( PRO S 704-1) or 6’ 6” M Mod-Fast ( PRO S 664-1) spinning rod paired with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000. BottomFishing 101 tells us that using the lightest weight possible to hold a bait on or near bottom while keeping that weight away from the hook is paramount in. But you’ll also need to set the hook in the most effective manner possible. For the new angler, fishing for Sheepshead can be a good place to start. Now you'll want to deep fry each piece of sheepshead filet. SECTION 1. Package Sizes: 10, 25, 50 and 100 Hooks. Therefore, a 4-size or a 2-size hook may be your best option since you’ll need a relatively large hook to catch crappie. You would have to start making a curving second cut starting at the initial cut, just over the lateral line at the back. Flip the baited hook into this area and allow it to be carried about by the current. D16 Nanotech blank technology consists of multi-directional layers of IM7 carbon fiber that have been injected with nano resin and wrapped in 8 different. The require patients and a sensitive rod/line combo. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. How to Catch Sheepshead At Night: Do Sheepshead Bite At Night? Sheepshead Fishing Rig: Best Fishing Rig For Sheepshead [4 Best]The rig is very simple and consists of your split shot weights and a hook. Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig. . This pack includes some of their top lures in miniature size, which makes them ideal when fishing smaller creeks, streams & rivers. Fishing for sheepshead at night can be very effective! And…there are ways to get sheepshead without a hook and line, such as a gig or bow. Snatching is also prohibited. Best Lures for Sheepshead. The smaller the better when it comes to octopus hooks and sheepshead, so try one in a size of 1/0 or 2/0 for best results. 1/4”. This rig should be on a light action, medium strength rod with a. Clams. Species Fishing Hook Guide. The sheepshead knows this, so they tend to hunt in these areas. And although I discard the tail, the head can be great for catching big reds. It is this boney mouth that makes them hard to hook and requires a hook that is placed in the side of their mouth in the soft tissue. Live release record fish. Sheepshead are known for having strong jaws and small mouths. Rod: 7' medium light to medium action. You want to use enough weight so your hook just makes contact with the bottom. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. Keep in mind that these fish have mouths packed with plenty of flat, hard teeth and they can easily chew through thinner hooks. See moreAnglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. The key is to stay small, as the mouth of a sheepshead is very small for its size. Sheepshead fish are a very boney They possess sharp dorsal and anal fins that are strong and sharp spines. 31:27 – How to set the hook (sheepshead are notorious bait stealers) 33:40 – Tony’s favorite sheepshead rig for using fiddler crabs or sand fleas. “It takes that size to get a respectable fillet,” Newton said. To bleed them, all you need to do is cut the artery that runs along the bottom of the area between their gills. The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead's mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. To fish for sheepshead in Texas, all anglers are required to have a fishing license. Drum (Sheepshead) 35 lbs. Best Hook Size For Sheepshead . Here is a hook and bead size chart for hooks sizes, bead sizes, and cone sizes. tcain24 Discussion Starter · May 19, 2009. FREE delivery Nov 3 - 16 . The second is with the fiddler crab on a 3/8-ounce Ralph Phillips jighead. And here’s how to tie this rig step by step:What size hook should I use for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. In this booklet, we will first describe the natural history of the sheeps-In the early stages of life, immature freshwater drum are a food fish for many predators. Even the adults aren’t free from predation; sharks like to take them on occasion. Choosing the best hook size for Snapper depends on personal opinion and experience. Hook Size for Sheepshead. What size hooks for sheepshead? A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Drop straight down, reel up three cranks. Click here to join us in the Insider Club: ma. Medium shank length, offset, easily inhaled by even a small sheepie. 850-487-0554. The Dropper Loop rig is quick and easy to make on the boat with little preparation or hardware other than hooks and mono, and it can be directly tied to the main line. If the tide is moving fast then use a half ounce to an ounce. However, using a #1 size hook is sage if you use larger bait, such as a large minnow. It also eats seaweed, algae, and other marine plants. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. A fish-finder rig, with a 10-inch piece of 20-pound fluorocarbon, attached to a size 1 circle hook is my go-to. Sheepshead are there for the taking if you have the know-how (see above) and patience. Open Year Round. Sheepshead utilize nearshore coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Choose a rod 6-7ft medium action with a light touch so you can feel the delicate bite of a sheepshead. 5-inch sheepshead that weighed an outstanding 15. The hook is very important. 30. So, 2/0 hooks are typically ideal for 2-3 inch baits. 6-7 wt – These two sizes are perfect for streamer fishing. The sinker rests on top of the hook’s eye when you get down to the bottom. Mix in a blender: 1 cup beer. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Then, put the split shot about 3-4″ up from your hook. 1X long – the hook is as long as the standard length in the size above, so a 1X long in #4, would be as long as a size #3 hook. Lawful catch limits for sheepshead. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. This rig is made up of two loop knots, one for the weight and one for the hook. Shrimp as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Shrimp for Sheepshead: 3. Get a small hook (generally a size #1) and ideally a bottom sweeper jighead. 4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by sandbar Jul 25, 2012. buy 1-2 lb of shrimp. Sheepshead are powerful and love to fight on their side and use currents to their advantage with their wide bodies grabbing a lot of water, making a six-pound fish feel like they are 12 pounds. My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. 99 ($5. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. 99 $ 9 . One of the reasons this fish has become prized is not only its reputation for. As the. Hook-Eye: Reversed, turned-up tapered eye. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that making a final purchasing decision may be difficult. You can switch out the egg sinker with a fish finder slide and a weight as seen in the. What Size Hook For Trout: Best Hooks (Sizes) For Trout Fishing 2022; Best Backpacking Fishing Rod 2022: Best Collapsible Fishing Rod For Backpacking;. . Wayne Gilstrap was fishing the lower Laguna Madre with live shrimp. Size: Sheepshead are common at around 30 inches and 5 to 15 pounds. Convict fish and black drums will be attracted to sections of huge blue crabs or full fiddler crabs on a hook under a popping cork. In either case, anglers should try to hide the hook in the bait as much is possible. Fresh from Florida. Hook the shrimp through the head when casting or trolling. Sheepshead fishermen prefer to use a long-shafted hook, typically about size 1. Sheepshead have incredibly strong jaws, thin, weak hooks can be easily broken by their teeth. Smaller hook sizes are a must for catching excellent bait stealers with small mouths like mangrove snappers and sheepshead. Mussels. You will be amazed at the size of fish you can catch on such a small bait. if you just put your bait down and walk away, you will come back to an. Sheepshead migrate inshore during the winter in Florida. S. EP 182: How To Catch Sheepshead On Fake Crabs!!! 30. I usually use between a 1-4 oz sinker, depending on depth and current. Any fish that earns comparison to the renowned smallmouth bass is getting high praise, indeed. With these attributes, circle hooks are becoming the favorite hook for some Sheepshead anglers. There are two ways to do this. These are a great choice when targeting sheepshead as it gets the bait to the bottom and the way it’s weighted is designed to keep the hook upright – which will increase your. Capt. Rebel makes some of the best trout lures out on the market and have been making responsible barbless lures for years. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. Yes, sheepshead are a mite oilier than walleye, thus “fishier,” and less preferred table fare Their fillets also do not freeze well. 2. The only problem I've had with such small hooks is a good size sheepshead can bend or crush them, but for the average size sheepshead, they do fine. Sheepshead feed on a variety of small crustaceans. One of the best times to use this method is to have sighted sheep in and around pylons or on oyster shells . My go-to hook, most of the time, is a 1/0 Owner J hook. Male Fiddler Crab. Hundreds of hooks for sheepshead fishing are being introduced everyday in the market which are enough to make you confused. Place the egg sinker on the line and attach a swivel to it. For “smaller” treble hooks, this range will be from 20 to 1, with the size 20 hook being the smallest and the size 1 hook being the largest. As the shad here grow through the year we continually upsize our hooks. Photograph by Nick SimoniteAt times, Oregon Inlet can provide some of the best Sheepshead fishing and then there are times the bite absolutely sucks. Moreover, the hook would have to be smaller to fit perfectly in the fish's small mouth. usually with Sheepshead you have to hide the hook. In her kayak, Emily Rose. jig and Eagle Claw bait holder are recommended. The hook size chart below encompasses everything I’ve. 1 cup buttermilk. Be aware of regulations: Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Florida, as there may be size and bag limits for Sheepshead. In super clear water or when using single eggs or very small baits, I will drop down to a size 12 and a size 14 wide gap hook that is thick enough to not bend on big steelhead. My hook is a 1/O Redfishone “live bait short shank”. Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. I use 50-60lb fluorocarbon leader and 2/0-4/0 super sharp Owner cutting point J hooks. Some anglers swear by using red hooks exclusively. The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. S. Go 20 to 25 inches away from the weight up. You can always catch the big one on a small hook but can't catch the small ones on the bigger hooks in case the bite is slow. Best Hook For Sheepshead. I’m just going to generalize the heck out of this section since there are a lot of variables that could affect hook size and type for various species. What hook size should you use with fiddlers for the convicts-big or small?1. Sheepshead fishing around bridge pylons in the main channel can yield some of the strongest currents and require heavier weights; fishing around docks farther inshore is less severe on currents,. The 3 most important attributes of the hook is strength, size and sharpness. use only enough weight to keep the bait below the water. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. As said earlier Sheepshead are excellent eating. (2) Landed in Whole Condition Requirement – A person harvesting sheepshead shall land each sheepshead in whole condition. 5 wt – This is your most common trout, all around fly fishing weight. Both can hold. Sheepshead are also known to stay suspended and even just under the surface near the pilings. What size hooks are best for snapper? The best hook size for mangrove snapper and sheepshead is a #1 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook. 5-3. Charleston Edition January 3, 2021, 2:00 PM. CLOSED May 16–June 30. These fish live in rocks in approximately 60-200 feet of water and can live up to 20 years and reach a maximum size of around 30 - 40lbs. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. Use 1/0 or 2/0 Stand-out drop shot hooks (I use 2 about 12” apart) and a 1/2 to 3 oz. I have caught lots of sheepies on small circle hooks, but my all-time favorite sheepshead hook is a # 2 kahle hook. Look for any soft bait that imitates a Sheepsheads natural diet, such as crabs and small. Above the leader place a egg sinker just large enough to hold bottom against the current;Minimum size: 10″ minimum; Sheepshead Season: All Year. Mussels as Sheepshead Bait; How to Rig Mussels: 5. A size 1/0 or #1 extra strong bait or “J” hook works great. Best way to cook sheepshead fish. Want to catch more fish AND save 20% on all your fishing gear? Click here to join us in the Insider Club: do you rig fiddler crabs. They also have relatively small mouths, so a hook small enough to fit in their mouth is required. What are the best live bait hooks for redfish??Is there ever a time when you would not use a circle hook?Would you ever need a hook with additional weight?Se. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. A hook. When a sheepshead is holding over a deeper structure, you may not feel comfortable dropping right into their fortress. The smallest fiddler crabs hook into the biggest sheepshead. Species Weight Length (inches) Date Caught Place Caught. Use a dropper loop size 6 or 8 weights, use 1 or 2 live bait hooks remove the head but make sure keep the slimy portion of the shrimp and do not remove the shell so it will stay better in the hooks. Carolina rig is a slip lead rig; for sheepshead, a 12-18 inches rig is required with a J hook. As far as hooks are concerned, sheepshead anglers disagree on the correct size and type. Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth teeming with teeth. Fiddler Crabs – Best Bait For Sheepshead. The size is dependent on the bait size, but 1/0 works almost every time. Believe it or not, sheepshead can actually bite through the light wire hooks sometimes used for inshore trout fishing. 5 inches (76 cm) and 22 pounds (9. Using a 12-16” 20lb leader place a 1/0 circle hook at the bottom. Again, use a stout, sharp hook with a wide gap, around a 5/0 size. Though the light tackle Schafer uses does get more bites, locking down the drag and wrenching the fish away from the structure is not an option. Using small hooks is essential to stop Sheepshead from stealing your bait right off the hook. The minimum size limit for sheepshead is 10 inches fork length, which is measured from the fork in the tail to the tip of the snout. 5-3. For example, the hooks above are extremely small around size #26-#30, and used for Microfishing. a 12 to 18-inch leader of fluorocarbon, and a 3/0 hook with a live fiddler crab. Jump to page: Results 1 to 10 of 24 58Likes. The Star Plasma II Inshore Rods and Star Seagis Inshore rods are two of. Normally, circle hooks are great for most species, but they don’t work as well for sheepshead, as you need to be able to set the hook in a mouth teeming with teeth. weight 18 inches below them with Shrimp or fiddler crabs and you will dramatically improve the hook-up rate for Sheepshead. Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. Step 2: Tie a #1 octopus hook to the end of your leader. Cons: It takes a long time. I’ve been using a #1 Gamakatsu live bait hook (get it from Amazon here), but the size hook will depend on the size bait you use. harvest up to 100 pounds per person per day with a recreational. Also can use gold sabiki size hook for catching cigars -Split shot or small bass worm weight as slip weight above swivel -10-15 inch 12-20 lb Fluoro leader -flat blade shovel and mesh net for getting oysters off of structure -hammer and brick to smash. Another option is to use an octopus-style hook with a small pinch weight attached above it. Begin with a two-foot piece of 80-pound test monofilament line and tie a Mustad # 3467 hook, size 4 or 6, to one end. If I'm fishing for bigger sheepshead I'll go up to a 2/0 hook. “I prefer small blue crabs 3 to 5 inches across the shell and rig them on 3/0 to 7/0 circle hooks with 3 to 4 feet of 30- to 40. Some anglers prefer circle hooks as well; a #3/0 circle hook is a good all round size. For jigs, use a short shank style hook with just enough weight to keep your bait down in the current. Linda Johnson, president and CEO of BPL, said the Sunset Park library has always been one of the borough’s busiest branches. Take the hook point and insert it in between the bottom two legs of the crab. There are two styles of hook commonly used for hooking sand fleas: Pompano fishermen favor the Kahle hook, which features a wide, round bend that aims the hook point back toward the middle of the hook shaft. When the first hit is detected allow the Sheepshead some slack to allow it to eat the bait. This allows you to work the water column right up against that structure. 1 or No. It’s a weedless rig and a great way to catch sheepshead, snook, redfish, and. Anglers seeking sheepshead prefer a medium-stout 6 to 7-foot rod and a reel with 15 to 20 lb. Top; All; This Page; Thread: Small hooks, small fresh dead shrimp for croakers and whiting. Because of the structure and the sheepshead’s tough mouth, forget about using a fine wire hook. Hook Strength: 1X strong. 2 large eggs. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or. 26kg). Randy’s tactic of choice for sheepshead is is fishing with fiddler crabs on a jig head. By using cut bait instead of shrimp. A live bait hook, aberdeen hook or octopus hook have long shanks that are a great fit for live worms. Learn the best hook size for sheepshead and mangrove snappers #shorts See more here The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0. How to Fish for Sheepshead with a Light Wire Circle Hook. By far, my favorite flounder hook is a simple weighted jig head. Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware. As for what size hook, I like to go with a #1 to 1/0 hook. 5 oz and 2 oz. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller would be fine. 38:19 – How to cook sheepshead. Try to use a smaller, thinner hook because thick hooks can kill these crabs quickly. The Skyline Sheepshead Jigs has a 2X strong super sharp Black Nickel Hook perfect just for those baits. When hooking a live sand flea, care must be taken as it must still be able to move freely. -#10 freshwater live bait hook (bream hook). Recreational harvest estimates are available from 1981 to the present. Three inches separate size 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks on the bottom rig. When rigging fiddler crabs on hooks, I always use the bottom sweeper style. This will be ideal to attract game like jacks and big redfish. Size, Age, and Growth of a Sheepshead. No matter which bait you choose you will need to fish right next to the pilings or structure. These smaller circle hooks allow for the smaller mouthed, sometimes undetectable hitting fish to frequently hook themselves. “If a redfish grabs the bait, or a good-sized sheepshead, it was breaking the treble hooks,” Carter said. They have large, protruding teeth used to crush the crustaceans, mollusks and hard-shellfish they feed on. I’m just going to tell you what you really need to know. bullet weight and a 1/0 octopus inline hook. The smaller size is perfect for worms around 6 inches ,. Carefully cast it. HOW TO COOK SHEEPSHEAD (THE. For shrimp about 4 inches, I’ve been using a #1 size hook. As the hook # gets larger, the hook size gets smaller. Size: Black drum can grow much larger than sheepshead, with some specimens reaching over 100 pounds. Quarter-size blue crabs on the hook work very well. You’ll know you cut through the artery if there is a lot of blood loss or blood on the knife. Dropper Loop Rig. These hooks are as sharp as they come and feature the opti-angled needlepoint tip. I think I am using the wrong hook. Sheepshead are a restricted species - which means they have both a legal size limit and a bag limit. Sheepshead are marked by 4 or 6 vertical dark bars (stripes) on their sides. LinkBack. Hooks. If you target sheepshead, then you need to have this rig in your arsenal. Many types of hooks work very well to catch Sheepshead. Use the lightest split shot possible, given the local current and depth. Hooking an avid bait thief like Sheepshead takes a bit of patience. Top Sheepshead Bay fishing charters in Fall 2023, from $54 p/p. 15kg) Snapper on a size 4/0 hook and, later that day, smaller ones up to 35 centimeters on the same size. The size of the treble hook should match the size of the crankbait. Cut a 3-foot (excluding scope for two knots) section of the 15 pound fluorocarbon leader line. Circle hooks work great for sheepshead. Attach one end to the swivel. In the state of North Carolina, currently, the minimum size of a Sheepshead to be. The best sheepshead hook is an octopus hook The smaller, the better when it goes to get a hook up in the sheepshead’s mouth; we recommend a 1/0 or 2/0 octopus sheepshead hook. Although sheepshead are found all along the eastern US and South American Atlantic coastline, they particularly like the Gulf waters around Florida. Personally, I’ve caught a 20lb (9. I like to use about 18 inches with about a ¾ to ¼ ounce weight, depending on the current, to keep the line tight. Owner is the sharpest. The fish usually grows 10-20 inches long. The fishing hooks that come in this. Spawning sheepshead will mill around the structure, mostly staying up current of it. Overall length of the adult sheepshead fish can reach 36 inches and can weigh around 21 pounds. Hanzlik’s Sheepshead 0. Hook the live shrimp just under the "horn", or ridge on top of its head. Red Bead, Size 5 Sinker Slide, 3 Oz. #32 to #1 numbered, smaller sizes. Luckily, on this day we were able. Always use small hooks in sizes 1, 2, or 4. Jason Stemple. Eagle Claw 500 Bronze Light Wire Jig Hooks 100 Pack -Works Great with Do It Molds. They have small mouths with teeth that look almost human and small hooks are. For fishing beside pilings, the hook is tied directly to the line on a dropper loop with the sinker tied a foot below the. May 9, 2023 Because of the structure of a sheepshead mouth and all the molars you will need a very small J hook. 4 oz. They are essentially jigs where the lead is fla. This type of hook is fine for catching an average fish, but when it comes to a sheepshead fish – it’s not strong enough. Sheepshead have strong jaws, so setting the hook firmly is essential. Appearance: Black drum are typically silver or dark gray, almost black on occasion. Sheepshead fish bite during cold Gulf of Mexico waters, attracting nearshore and offshore rocks. #1 · Jul 24, 2012. Adult sheepshead grows to be around 1-8 pounds (. Size And Weight. The two hooks I prefer are both Owner’s the Gorilla Light or the Flyliner Live Bait hooks in size 1, 2 and 4 If you are looking for actual size i would say no bigger than a dime and a little smaller would be fine. How to fish bridges for sheepshead. 0 out of 5 stars 1. In most of their range freshwater drum commonly reach weights of 1 to 5 pounds (0. Use a No. They are primarily site feeders and will shy away from a hook. My rig of choice is a dropper loop about 10” to 16” above a 2-6 ounce sinker. There’s a reason they’re called ‘convict fish’ — they’ll steal your bait.