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Caught a Sheepshead Inshore in Biloxi
Sheepshead Fishing in Biloxi
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The Archosargus Probatocephalus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sparidae. It typically measures between 14 and 20 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 8 lbs. - Habitat: onshore, nearshore, offshore, reef, wreck. - Famous for human-like teeth and distinctive black vertical stripes.
Fishing Charter by Captain Mark Gay in December
Meet your Captain Mark Gay
- Unleash Your Angler's Spirit with Biloxi Fishing!
Summary
Captain Mark Gay of Double Hooker Fishing Charters on Friday December offers exceptional inshore fishing experiences in Biloxi's scenic waters. This 4-hour morning charter targets sheepshead, redfish, and cobia using proven techniques like bottom fishing and sight fishing around Bernard Bayou Industrial Seaway. With calm bays, river mouths, and nearshore structure providing ideal habitat, these waters deliver consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. All gear and licenses are included, making it perfect for families and beginners looking to experience the Gulf Coast's premier inshore fishing. Morning conditions bring cooler air and steady bites, while the relaxed pace allows time to learn techniques and enjoy coastal views. Book your guided fishing charter online and discover why Biloxi's inshore waters are considered some of the best on the Gulf Coast.
Fishing Charter with Captain Mark Gay – Rates & Booking
Captain Mark Gay of Double Hooker Fishing Charters on Friday December leads this 4-hour inshore adventure starting at dawn when fish are most active. The trip includes all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses with space for up to 2 guests. You'll work calm bays, river mouths, and nearshore areas where sheepshead, redfish, black drum, and seatrout congregate around structure. Captain Mark provides expert guidance on bottom fishing, drift fishing, and sight fishing techniques while sharing local knowledge about Biloxi's productive waters. Deposits are non-refundable, so book early to secure your preferred date. Contact Double Hooker Fishing Charters directly for current rates and availability.
Highlights of Half Day Morning Fishing Trip In Biloxi - Cobia, Redfish And More
This morning charter takes advantage of cooler air temperatures and active feeding periods when fish are most cooperative. You'll explore Bernard Bayou Industrial Seaway and surrounding inshore waters known for consistent sheepshead action and diverse species opportunities. The 4-hour duration provides ample time to work different techniques and locations without feeling rushed.
Captain Mark's local expertise shines as he positions the boat near productive structure where sheepshead display their signature black stripes and human-like teeth. The calm, clear waters make it easy to spot fish and perfect your technique, whether you're bottom fishing around pilings or sight fishing in shallow areas.
Local Species Insights: Sheepshead
Sheepshead thrive in Biloxi's inshore waters year-round, particularly around docks, pilings, and rocky structure where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and oysters. These distinctive fish with their black vertical stripes and human-like teeth require specific techniques to hook successfully. Captain Mark knows exactly where to find them in Bernard Bayou Industrial Seaway and teaches the patience needed to feel their subtle bites. Winter months can be especially productive as sheepshead school up in deeper holes and around warm-water discharges, making December an excellent time to target them.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your morning begins at the dock where Captain Mark has all gear rigged and ready, including specialized tackle for sheepshead's unique feeding behavior. The boat comfortably accommodates 2 guests with plenty of room to fish and move around safely. You'll start in protected waters before venturing to more productive areas as conditions allow. All fishing licenses are provided, and Captain Mark handles fish cleaning if you choose to keep your catch. The relaxed pace allows time for instruction, photography, and simply enjoying Biloxi's beautiful coastal scenery.
Fishing in Biloxi: Sheepshead
The Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a distinctive member of the Sparidae family and Perciformes order, instantly recognizable by its human-like teeth and five to seven dark vertical bars across its compressed silver-gray body. Often called the "convict fish" due to its prison-stripe appearance, this remarkable species has earned a reputation among Biloxi anglers this December for its challenging yet rewarding fishing opportunities.
Sheepshead Overview
Sheepshead are prized by anglers for their excellent table fare and the skill required to catch them successfully. Their powerful jaws and human-like dental structure allow them to crush shellfish with ease, making them both fascinating and frustrating targets. These fish are year-round residents of Gulf Coast waters, providing consistent fishing opportunities in Biloxi's inshore areas.
Sheepshead Habitat and Distribution
Sheepshead inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico, with particularly strong populations around Biloxi's extensive dock systems, bridge pilings, and oyster reefs. They prefer areas with hard structure where barnacles, oysters, and crabs provide abundant food sources. In winter months, they often move to deeper holes and warm-water discharges while remaining accessible to inshore anglers.
Sheepshead Size and Weight
Most Biloxi sheepshead range from 14 to 20 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 8 pounds, though exceptional specimens can reach 20 pounds and 35 inches. Their deep, compressed body shape makes even smaller fish feel substantial when hooked, providing excellent sport on light tackle.
Sheepshead Diet and Behavior
Sheepshead are opportunistic feeders that use their powerful teeth to scrape barnacles, crush oysters, and grab crabs from structure. They feed most actively during moving tides when current dislodges prey items. Their feeding behavior is often subtle, requiring anglers to detect light taps and gentle pressure rather than aggressive strikes.
Sheepshead Spawning Season
Sheepshead spawn in offshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s. During spawning season, they form large schools and become more aggressive, making them easier targets for anglers. Post-spawn fish return to inshore structure where they feed heavily to recover condition.
Sheepshead Fishing Techniques
Successful sheepshead fishing requires small hooks, light line, and natural baits like fiddler crabs, shrimp, or oysters. Bottom fishing around pilings and docks produces consistent results, while sight fishing in clear water allows anglers to target individual fish. In December around Biloxi, anglers find them concentrated near warm-water outflows and deep dock areas where they school during cooler weather.
Sheepshead Is It Good to Eat?
Sheepshead are considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor similar to snapper. Their diet of crustaceans and mollusks gives the meat a clean taste without muddy or fishy overtones. The fillets are versatile for grilling, frying, or baking, and they're high in protein while being relatively low in mercury.
Sheepshead Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for sheepshead?
A: Live or fresh fiddler crabs are the top choice, followed by fresh shrimp and oysters. Small pieces work better than large baits, and keeping the bait near the bottom is essential.
Q: Where can I find sheepshead near Biloxi?
A: Look for them around dock pilings, bridge supports, oyster reefs, and any hard structure in 6-20 feet of water. Bernard Bayou Industrial Seaway offers excellent sheepshead habitat year-round.
Q: Is sheepshead good to eat?
A: Yes, sheepshead are excellent eating fish with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. They're considered one of the best-tasting fish in Gulf waters and are perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch sheepshead?
A: Moving tides produce the best action, particularly during winter months when they school up. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the most consistent bites around structure.
More species you can explore on this trip
Double Hooker Fishing Charters Available Trips
Rise and shine for a morning on the water with Captain Mark. This 4-hour trip takes you through Biloxi's inshore fishing spots, where you'll cast lines for Redfish, Black Drum, Seatrout, and Sheepshead. The early hours often bring ideal conditions - cooler temps and active fish make for steady action. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, you'll find something to enjoy. There's time to pick up new skills, soak in the coastal scenery, or focus on reeling in your catch. With all gear and licenses covered, you just need to round up a friend and show up ready for a laid-back morning of angling. Keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely. It's a great way to kick off your day in Biloxi with some time on the water and hopefully a few fish to show for it.
