Spring Patterns for Sheepshead

Spring Patterns for Sheepshead

“Bay snapper” are an often overlooked option for those desiring to catch some sporty and tasty fish.
Story and Photography by Nate Skinner

Fish for what’s biting. This concept is employed by anglers that are willing to weigh all options, prevailing weather patterns, and given scenarios before creating an on-the-water game plan. Simply put, it’s about placing together all possible variables in favor of producing a taut line and a bent rod. The focus is on catching fish, while species discrimination is thrown clear out the window. If it swims, has gills, fins, and is willing to feed, then the creature is a potential target.
This attitude allows anglers to not only bring home more fillets during adverse conditions, but also promotes more memories made in the outdoors. At the end of the day we fish because we enjoy it, and the purpose is to catch fish. Call it fun, relaxing, or an obsession. Whatever the label, fishing is a passion derived from hooking up with critters below the water’s surface and hauling them into our world. Scales meeting fingertips equals success, and it’s hard to forget a day spent catching them, regardless of the kind.
With spring in full swing, a variety of challenges await those longing to hit the salt. These include strong winds, dramatic tide levels, and varying wind directions to name a few. Aside from diverse situations, another thing that can be expected along the Texas coast during the spring is for sheepshead to be feeding in massive numbers as they trickle back into bays and estuaries from the Gulf.

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