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Christmas Reds and Big Sheepsheads
Capt. Russ Walker
December 24, 2018
Cape Coral - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's that time of year when the Sheepshead and the big Redfish team up and run together again. Why? I have no idea but, I do know that both species are big fighters and are fun to catch. Most times, sheepshead are found around docks or submerged extreme structure.
Here's a tip on how to rig for them. Both like the current so that food naturally comes their way so I always use a ½ egg sinker. First off, during this time of year lots of big fish are caught requiring a little heavier line.
For Sheepys and Reds dockside, I use Power Pro 40# braid. I take at least 14 inches of the end of the braid and double it back to tie a spider hitch knot. This gives you twice the strength of line where it counts, at the end.
I run the doubled line through the egg sinker and shove the line loop through the eye of a small swivel to trap the sinker. Then, I tie about 16 inches of 20- or 25-pound mono leader to the swivel and attach a small 1/0 Owner J hook. This rig fishes great, has enough weight to cast, holds in the current and in the event, you hook up on the dock or old habitat piling, the 20 pound leader will usually break by pulling straight against it leaving you the swivel, weight and 40 pound line intact, still attached. Just re-attach another leader and hook and you are ready to go again.
I have found that braid will slice my wet hands if I try to pull too hard on a hang-up. I take a pair of pliers and twist the braided line around the rubber plier handles and pull straight against it to pop the leader. Try it. You'll like it. Fiddler crabs are producing great Sheepshead action and the Reds like them too. Live Shrimp cut in half are my next in line bait. I like docks with at least 8 feet of water, 10 to 14 is ideal.
Hey, Good Luck. Follow me, Captain Russ Walker, on the forum found on Capeweather.com, Fishidy, Facebook / Tide Walker charters or on Cyberangler. Many past posts there.
Hope you have a wonder day on the water in pursuit of your winter quarry.
If you need any help or would like to charter, try www.tidewalkercharters.com
Every Trip is an Adventure.
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