Sheepshead

Cape Carteret is a sheepshead angler's playground, offering numerous structures where these convict-striped fish thrive. Targeting sheepshead here means focusing on docks, bridges, and rock piles in Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. Spring and fall are peak seasons, when water temperatures are moderate, and the sheepshead are actively feeding. Fiddler crabs are the bait of choice, but live shrimp and barnacles can also be effective. A key to success is using a short, stout hook and a sensitive rod to detect their subtle bites. Many local anglers fish from the pier at Emerald Isle, but launching a small boat from the Cedar Point boat ramp will open up more productive areas. Be patient, as sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, but the reward of landing one of these powerful fish is well worth the effort. The local population is known for its good size, so be prepared for a fight!