Fishing Trips & Hot Spots
Robert Espericueta
Roland Moya
Huge Monster Stingray
Caught & Released
Sheepshead*
Other Names
Convict Fish

Description
Vivid black and white bars make the sheepshead or "convict fish" distinctive among fishes of the Texas
coast. large sharp spines and a razor-edge gill cover make handling and cleaning difficult. another key
feature is the jutting teath, slighly like a human's.

Life History
Spawning occurs in February and March in the Gulf near jetties, rock piles and reefs. The young fish
live in shallow, grassy areas where food and shelter are abundant.

Habitat
Young live in shallow, grassy areas. Adults live near pilings and rocks where their strong incisor teeth
are used to good advantage to graze barnacles and small shellfish.

Distribution
Coastwide

How To Catch
Experienced fishermen use small fiddler and hermit crabs to catch sheepshead. Alterness is essential,
for the fish is an adept bait stealer.

Where To Catch
Near hard substrate such as jetties, rock piles and reefs.

How To Eat
Although sheepshead are difficult to clean, the flesh is excellent.





*All Information Courtesy Of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Bag Limit: 5
Size: 12"-No Limit