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Sports

Sheepshead Just Tip Of Ice Chest This Month

A big sheepshead spawn is upon Bay area anglers, but the 'convict fish' aren't the only species anglers will be targeting.

Over the next 30 days, look for the bait-stealing “convict fish” -- the sheepshead -- to be many Tampa Bay inshore anglers' top target.

The sheepshead's big spawn in upon us, and the tasty sheepies can be found around their typical hidey holes such as rock piles, oyster beds, docks and even mangrove lines on high tide. Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans, such as shrimp, crabs, mussels and barnacles, and anglers should use small hooks – about a No. 4, to match the sheepshead's small mouths. A 10- or 12-pound test line and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader is necessary as well.

Also, if water temperatures warm, we could have migratory fish, such as Spanish mackerel andkingfish, cruising through from the south.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Until then, bay area anglers will have to make due with sheepshead, trout and redfish.

Some under-the-slot redfish (below the 18- to 27-inch slot limit) have been abundant throughout the bay area. About every five years, there will be a good hatch of redfish, and the ensuing high numbers of juvenile reds.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Numerous anglers and charter boat captains have been reporting high numbers of these “shorts.”

Tampa fishing guide Lynn Amburn of FishTank Charters said on a recent trip his clients caught a lot of undersized redfish fishing Rocky Creek (north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway) and Allen's Creek.

Amburn said his anglers were targeting docks and pitching 3/16- and 1/4-ounce jigs tipped with pieces of shrimp.

The tale of “too shorts” doesn't end north of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, however.

“There are some larger reds, but they're very, very shallow,” said Bradenton (Anna Maria Island) Capt. Scott Moore, well-known on Florida's West Coast for pioneering the art of sardine fishing. “The best bet on them is wade-fishing, or kayaking. Guys in kayaks are catching them because they're able to get in real, real shallow areas where they're starting to feed. It's a little harder with flats boats because the water's so clear, and so the fish are so spooky. That's whykayakers are doing best on reds.”

Sarasota Capt. Rick Grassett of the Snook Fin-Addict said redfish may be found in the same areas as trout throughout February -- in potholes or edges of bars when the tide is low.

Highlight your calendars: There will a period of negative low tides Feb. 14-19.

But this abundance of smaller redfish bodes well for reds in the next few years, as they will grow into keepers.

“I prefer north Sarasota Bay, lower Tampa Bay and Gasparilla Sound for reds and trout in February,” Grassett said.

Regardless of the area, Grassett suggests targeting crusty, barnacle- and oyster-ridden dock pilings with deep water and a quickly-moving tide.

Finally, Capt. Ray Markham of Backwater Promotions said some small glass minnows showed on nearshore waters and in lower Tampa Bay, over deep grass flats and hard bottoms. This bait, of course, will entice flounder, bluefish and trout, Markham said.

But this month, when all else fails, look for sheepshead to be the best bet at cramming the ice chest.

Closer to home

Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation public boat ramps for the Alafia River are located at 4020 Alafia Blvd., Brandon, 11060 Park Drive, Riverview, and  8739 U.S. 41 in Riverview.

Boats also may be launched at the end of Center Street off Kings Avenue in Brandon.

Dixie’s Boat Ramp, Gas & Bait is located off Gibsonton Drive at 9808 Vaughn St., Gibsonton. In addition to bait and gas, the private boat ramp offers live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Alafia River State Park, 14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, offers both canoeing and fishing.

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