Sheepshead

If you're targeting sheepshead around Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, you're in for a treat. The unique ecosystem here, with its mix of saltwater creeks, brackish estuaries, and proximity to the Atlantic, creates ideal habitat for these striped bandits. Focus your efforts around docks, pilings, and oyster beds, as these areas provide the crustaceans that make up the bulk of their diet. Spring and fall are prime times, as the water temperatures are moderate and the sheepshead are actively feeding. A fiddler crab is the go-to bait, presented on a jig head or Carolina rig. One local tip: pay close attention to the tide. Sheepshead often feed most aggressively during moving water. Also, be prepared for a fight – these fish are surprisingly strong for their size. Access is relatively easy from several boat ramps around the island, but be mindful of the strong currents.