Sheepshead live tight to barnacle-encrusted structure — bridge fenders, dock pilings, oyster bars, jetty rocks. The Buckman Bridge, Mayport jetties, and any deep pier in the 904 hold them. They don't roam. Find them on a piling once and they'll be on that same piling next month.
Black-and-white vertical stripes (locals call them 'convict stripes'), short stocky body, and the famous human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. NE FL minimum is 12 inches, daily bag 8 per angler. A 4-pounder is a solid keeper; 7+ lb is trophy class.
Best months in 904 water are January through March when fish stack heavy on bridges and jetties for the spawn. April-May they're still around but spreading out. Summer they're harder to target — scattered, less aggressive. October-December the fall bite picks back up. The cold-water spawn aggregation is what makes this an underrated NE FL species.
Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use a small sharp hook (1/0 to 2/0), the smallest weight that holds bottom, fresh fiddler crabs or sand fleas, and fish tight to a piling. Their bite is a soft tap-tap-tap; if you wait to feel a 'real' hit, the bait is already gone. The trick is to set on the second tap before you actually feel the fish. Light tackle and pay attention.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.