Sheepshead is a relatively large representative of the porgy family (Sparidae), Sheepshead are most frequently encountered near
some type of structure like pilings, jetties, oyster reefs, artificial reefs and coastal live bottom. Sheepshead are
found in waters ranging from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, and southward to Brazil
The sheepshead is greenish-gray to silvery in color, with five to seven distinct vertical black bars
and an oval shaped, laterally compressed, deep body (Manooch 1984; Smith 1997). The black
bars remain very distinctive throughout the life of the fish. The mouth is of medium size, with
prominent incisor-like teeth in the front and molars and grinding teeth in the rear.
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world record of 21 lbs, 4 oz. successful baits include shrimp, sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, fiddler crabs, and mussels.[4] Sheepshead have a knack for stealing bait, so a small hook is necessary.[4] Locating sheepshead with a boat is not difficult: Fishermen look for rocky bottoms or places with obstructions, and they try around jetties and the pilings of bridges and piers.[4] The average weight of a sheepshead is 3 to 4 pounds, but some individuals reach the range of 10 to 15 pounds.[