Sheepshead

Sheepshead, those quirky-looking, striped fish, are a popular target around Baytown, Texas. The area's numerous piers, docks, and bridge pilings, particularly those in and around Galveston Bay, provide the perfect habitat for these crustacean-loving fish. While you can catch them year-round, the cooler months of late fall and winter are generally the most productive. Sheepshead tend to congregate around structure, so focus your efforts near pilings and submerged debris. Fiddler crabs are the bait of choice, but live shrimp or even small pieces of cut shrimp can also work well. Fish tight to the structure and be ready for a quick strike. A key local tip is to use a small, sharp hook and a light wire leader to avoid break-offs. The Texas City Dike and the piers along the Baytown waterfront are excellent starting points.