Sheepshead a standby in frigid temps

The water temperature on the flats of Sarasota Bay dropped to about 62 degrees on Wednesday, and with wintertime fishing upon us, some anglers "in the know" are targeting the old winter standby species - sheepshead.

But sheepshead, which typically hang around docks and rocks and primarily eat crustaceans, are not the only cold-tolerant species. Redfish, bluefish, flounder, black drum and trout tend to be targetable winter species as well.

On Wednesday, Capt. Terry Frankford of Reelin & Chillin Charters reported some good light-tackle action with white bait and shrimp for redfish to 18 inches and sheepshead and black drum around docks.

Although a lot of live bait has left the area, Frankford said he was able to net up a bunch of greenbacks by Bird Key.

For sheepshead, Frankford will use a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a No. 4 split shot with a No. 4 Owner circle hook, just small enough to fit into a sheepshead's tiny mouth. He said if the sheepshead bite is not hot, he'll lose the split shot and free line the bait.

Because the water often is so clear in the winter, anglers can idle by docks and look for the sheepshead hanging out by the pilings.

Frankford also reported good nearshore action on flounder using shrimp and greenbacks. Because toothy Spanish mackerel tend to cut off line in those areas, Frankford suggests using a No. 2 long-shank 'J' hook, which also can provide a quality hook set with flounder.