All species
inshore
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
The convict fish — striped, with humanlike teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs. A structure specialist and a notorious bait-stealer with sweet, white fillets.
Where to find them
Docks, pilings, bridges, jetties, and reefs; anywhere with barnacles and shellfish.
Regulations by Region
Atlantic Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 12" total length
- Bag limit
- 8 per person per day
- Season
- Open year-round
12" minimum, 8 per harvester per day statewide.
Gulf Coast
Season open- Size limit
- 12" total length
- Bag limit
- 8 per person per day
- Season
- Open year-round
Same statewide rules; reduced vessel limit during March spawning in some areas.
Top Baits
fiddler crabslive shrimpbarnaclessand fleas