Porgy (Sparidae)
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
About the sheepshead
Sheepshead are the ultimate pier fish. They live right on the pilings, feeding on barnacles, crabs, and mussels attached to the structure. Known for their human-like teeth and notorious bait-stealing ability, they're a challenging but rewarding catch with excellent firm, white meat.
- inshore
- pier specialist
- structure fish
- winter fishing
Where to find them
Piers that report sheepshead
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Springmaid Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Cherry Grove Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Pier 14
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Apache Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Garden City Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Surfside Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Second Avenue Pier
Biting- Months
- Jan–Apr
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
South Carolina rules
Keeping sheepshead
Sheepshead
saltwater- Minimum size
- 14"
- Maximum size
- None
- Daily bag limit
- 10
- Closed season
- None
TL
Boat limit 30
Summarized from SCDNR. Limits change — confirm before you keep a fish at the SCDNR source.