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Caught a Sheepshead Offshore in West Palm Beach
Sheepshead Fishing in West Palm Beach, FL
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The Archosargus Probatocephalus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sparidae. It typically measures between 14 and 20 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 8 lbs. - Habitat: onshore, nearshore, offshore, reef, wreck. - Known for distinctive black bars and human-like teeth. - Feeds primarily on crustaceans and mollusks around structure.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Rich Adler in December
Meet your Guide Rich Adler
- Palm Beach Sportfishing - Tuna, Wahoo and more!
Summary
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Monday July offers full-day offshore fishing adventures from Riviera Beach City Marina. These deep sea fishing charters target sheepshead, king mackerel, and other big game species using trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques. With all fishing licenses included and gear provided, anglers can experience prime offshore fishing in West Palm Beach waters. The charter accommodates up to 6 guests and includes expert instruction for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Summer conditions provide excellent opportunities for targeting pelagic species in Florida's productive Atlantic waters. Book online to secure your spot for an action-packed day of offshore fishing with one of West Palm Beach's most experienced guides.
Fishing Charter with Rich Adler – Rates & Booking
Guide Rich Adler of Tuna Wahoo Charters on Monday July provides full-day deep sea fishing experiences from Riviera Beach City Marina. These offshore charters accommodate up to 6 guests and include all fishing licenses, with live bait available as an add-on for the most exciting fishing opportunities. The charter runs a full day targeting big game fish including sailfish, mahi mahi, swordfish, bonito, and mackerel using multiple techniques. Guests are welcome to bring food and drinks aboard, and the mate should be tipped in cash upon trip completion. Book today to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
Highlights of Deep Sea Fishing Charters
This action-packed offshore adventure combines trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques to maximize your chances of landing trophy fish. The trip launches from Riviera Beach City Marina and heads to productive offshore waters where sheepshead, king mackerel, and other pelagic species are actively feeding. Rich provides expert instruction for anglers of all skill levels, adjusting techniques and offering one-on-one guidance to ensure everyone has success on the water.
The variety of species available makes each trip unique—from barracuda and bonito to the occasional shark encounter. Summer months offer prime conditions for targeting king mackerel, while the diverse structure and depths provide year-round opportunities for different species. With all gear provided and licenses included, you can focus on the fishing while Rich handles the navigation and fish-finding expertise.
Local Species Insights: Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of West Palm Beach's most distinctive inshore and nearshore species, easily recognized by their human-like teeth and distinctive black bars across their silver-gray bodies. These members of the Sparidae family thrive around structure—docks, pilings, reefs, and wrecks—where they use their powerful jaws to crush barnacles, oysters, and crabs. In July waters around West Palm Beach, sheepshead often move between nearshore reefs and offshore structures, making them accessible to charter boats working different depths throughout the day.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your deep sea fishing adventure begins at Riviera Beach City Marina, where you'll meet Rich and prepare for a full day on the water. The charter boat is equipped with all necessary fishing gear, electronics, and safety equipment to handle offshore conditions. With a maximum capacity of 6 guests, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably while Rich works different techniques and locations based on current conditions. The trip includes all fishing licenses, and live bait can be added on the day of the trip for enhanced fishing opportunities. Plan to bring food, drinks, and cash for the mate's tip to complete your offshore fishing experience.
Fishing in West Palm Beach: Sheepshead
The Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a distinctive member of the Sparidae family and order Perciformes, instantly recognizable by its human-like teeth and five to seven dark vertical bars across its silver-gray body. Often called the "convict fish" due to its striped pattern, this species has earned a reputation among anglers for both its unique appearance and challenging fight. In West Palm Beach waters this July, sheepshead move between nearshore reefs and offshore structures, making them accessible to charter boats working various depths.
Sheepshead Overview
Sheepshead are prized by anglers for their distinctive appearance and excellent table fare. These fish possess remarkably human-like teeth that allow them to crush hard-shelled prey with ease. Their compressed, deep body and sharp dorsal spines make them well-adapted for life around structure, where they feed on barnacles, oysters, crabs, and other crustaceans.
Sheepshead Habitat and Distribution
Sheepshead inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They're commonly found around docks, pilings, jetties, reefs, and wrecks where their preferred prey thrives. In West Palm Beach, these fish move between shallow inshore areas and deeper offshore structures depending on season and feeding opportunities.
Sheepshead Size and Weight
Most sheepshead caught by anglers measure between 14 and 20 inches and weigh 1 to 8 pounds. Exceptional specimens can reach 20 pounds and 35 inches, though fish of this size are relatively rare. They have a relatively long lifespan, with larger fish typically being older and more experienced at avoiding hooks.
Sheepshead Diet and Behavior
Sheepshead are opportunistic feeders that use their powerful jaws and human-like teeth to crush hard-shelled prey. Their diet consists primarily of barnacles, oysters, crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans found around structure. They feed most actively during daylight hours and are often found in schools around productive feeding areas.
Sheepshead Spawning Season
Sheepshead spawn in offshore waters during late winter and early spring when water temperatures begin to warm. During spawning season, they form large aggregations in deeper water before returning to their preferred structural habitats. This seasonal movement affects their availability to inshore and nearshore anglers.
Sheepshead Fishing Techniques
Successful sheepshead fishing requires small hooks, light tackle, and natural baits like fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or shrimp. These fish have excellent eyesight and can be very selective, often requiring a stealthy approach and precise bait presentation. In July around West Palm Beach, anglers find success fishing around dock pilings, bridge structures, and nearshore reefs using light spinning tackle and small baits.
Sheepshead Is It Good to Eat?
Sheepshead are considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor. The flesh is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. They can be prepared using various cooking methods including grilling, baking, or frying, and their firm texture holds up well to different preparations.
Sheepshead Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for sheepshead?
A: Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, and fresh shrimp are the most effective baits. Small pieces of oyster or barnacle can also work well when fishing around structure.
Q: Where can I find sheepshead near West Palm Beach?
A: Look for sheepshead around docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and nearshore reefs. They're often found in areas with heavy structure where their preferred prey lives.
Q: Is sheepshead good to eat?
A: Yes, sheepshead are excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. They're considered one of the better eating fish in Florida waters.
Q: When is the best time to catch sheepshead?
A: Sheepshead can be caught year-round, but they're most active during daylight hours. Cooler months often provide the best fishing as they move into shallower waters to feed.
More species you can explore on this trip
Tuna Wahoo Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Hey there! Thanks for checking out my offshore fishing adventure. I've got a really sweet setup that's perfect for a day out on the open water with a small group of your closest friends and family. It's a 35-foot fishing boat that can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests, so you'll have plenty of space to move around and get set up for some epic offshore action.
