Sheepshead

Looking to tangle with some sheepshead in the Northport area? You're in a prime location. The waters around Northport, particularly in the Long Island Sound and its adjacent harbors and bays, offer excellent sheepshead habitat. These fish are drawn to structure, so focus your efforts around docks, pilings, rock piles, and any submerged debris. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are generally the most productive, with the peak usually occurring in the summer. For shore access, try fishing from the Steers Beach pier or along the rocky shoreline at Crab Meadow Beach. Boat anglers will find numerous public launch ramps nearby. A local tip: sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use small, sharp hooks and be ready to set the hook quickly when you feel a nibble. Also, consider using fiddler crabs or small pieces of shrimp as bait, as these are local favorites. The sheepshead in this area aren't typically giants, but they offer a fun challenge and are great table fare.