Sheepshead

If you're hoping to tangle with some sheepshead around Holden Beach, North Carolina, you're in the right place. This area is known for its abundance of structure, which is where sheepshead thrive. Target docks, bridges (especially the Holden Beach bridge), and rock piles in the Intracoastal Waterway. Spring and fall are the best times, coinciding with their spawning season. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so use small, sharp hooks and be prepared for a quick hookset. Fiddler crabs are the bait of choice, but live shrimp or barnacles can also be effective. A Carolina rig with a short leader is a common setup. Fish as close to the structure as possible, as sheepshead rarely venture far from cover. The public fishing pier at Holden Beach also offers a great opportunity to target sheepshead, especially around the pilings. Be patient, and pay close attention to your line; a subtle tap is often the only indication of a bite. The sheepshead here can grow to impressive sizes, so be ready for a good fight.