How to Catch Sheepshead: Baits, Timing & State Limits
How to catch sheepshead — the convict fish with the human-like teeth. Complete guide to tackle, bait, technique, hotspots, and regulations for the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Naples/Marco Island Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Tarpon Peak in 10,000 Islands, Snook on the Mangroves, Redfish Staging
Tarpon at peak in the 10,000 Islands, snook firing on the mangrove edges and oyster bars, and redfish staging on the flats around Marco and Naples.
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Mahi Peak Offshore, Tarpon in the Canals, Daytime Swordfish Picking Up
Mahi-mahi at peak on the offshore weedlines, tarpon stacked in the canals and Intracoastal at night, and daytime swordfishing picking up off the Fort Lauderdale fleet.
South Padre Island Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Lower Laguna Madre Peak, Redfish and Trout on Flats, Tarpon Arriving
Lower Laguna Madre at peak with redfish and trout blowing up on the flats, tarpon arriving at the jetties, and red snapper opening June 1.
Sarasota Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Tarpon Stacking in New Pass, Snook Pre-Spawn, Trout on the Flats
Tarpon stacking in New Pass and Big Sarasota Pass, snook pre-spawn on the flats and around the passes, and trout still active on the grass at first light.
Great Lakes Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Lake Erie Walleye Peak, Lake Michigan Salmon Building, Smallmouth Spawn
Lake Erie walleye at full peak in the western basin, Lake Michigan salmon trolling building, and smallmouth bass beginning to spawn across the system.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: First Tarpon at the Skyway, Snook in the Passes, Cobia Following Rays
First serious tarpon schools showing at the Skyway pilings, snook stacking pre-spawn in Egmont and Bunces Pass, and cobia still working stingrays on the flats.
San Diego Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Yellowtail Building at Coronados, White Seabass on Kelp, Bluefin Starting
Yellowtail season building at the Coronado Islands, white seabass on the kelp paddies, and the first bluefin tuna of the year starting to show offshore.
Florida Keys Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Peak Tarpon in the Channels, Permit on the Flats, Mahi Offshore
Peak tarpon season in the channels and bridges, permit feeding on the oceanside flats, and mahi-mahi at full peak in the Gulf Stream off Islamorada and Marathon.
Montauk Fishing Report — Week of May 14, 2026: Stripers at Full Strength, Sea Bass Open, Early Bluefin Tuna
Stripers at full strength on the south side, sea bass season open with stacked fish on the wrecks, and early bluefin tuna sightings 20-30 miles out.