Newport...Sheepheads come to play....
 

I went out with my buddy today out of Newport. We went to the rockfish grounds. On the way out I would drop down looking for sand bass. Not too many bites, so I decided to continue to the rockfish area. Just as I was about to reel my line in, I get bit. Nice pull with some head shakes. I thought it was a nice sized sand bass. To my surprise, it was a 17 inch Sheephead. :D My 1st Sheephead!

I then made it to the rockfish area and picked around at some reds here and there. I caught limits of mixed rockfish. I decided to work my way back it. I got a big bite and set the hook on something that felt decent sized. Lots of pull and head shakes. I was excited to see what it was and then it came to the surface...It was a 4ft shark! :cool:

I cut my line and released the shark. I dropped down my back-up rod and put it in the rod holder, while I re-tied my tackle. With in a minute, I get another big bite. Big head shakes and pulling pretty good :reel: I had just caught a shark and figured it was just another shark.

As I was fighting the fish, I thought at least I'm getting a good fight today. I crank it up pretty quickly because I thought it was just a shark.

To my surprise, I see it come up to the surface.... it's a big Sheephead!
:luxhello:


I had never caught a sheephead before today. Limits of rockfish with 2 sheephead.

It was a great day on the water.

I like the kissy-lips and hillbilly teeth of the sheepheads. Their fight is not bad either.

What constitutes "rockfishing grounds"?

iethinker

Rocks :D

plus deep water

That's a nice haul! I am jealous of the flag rockfish, cook them whole on the grill; one of the tastier fish in the sea for sure. :drool5:

WOW! Great haul. :drool5:

Strong work!

Anyone who changes their shorts to "match the catch" is all right in my book. Good job! Jim

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Good observation!

Every time I go out with you, you ALWAYS catch something new or double the size of my biggest fish. Ill get you next time!

Lot's of great eats, congrats!

Jeez! Thats awesome, never knew there were sheepies in that spot. I've always caught them in the kelp off CDM, better try using shrimp at the RF spot and see if I can get one.

Nice job!

BTW, I really like the color on that 17" one..

Nice catch!!

Sweet
 

Nice catch!

Nice going! those are some great looking goats!

How far a paddle is it to the rockfish grounds?

Wow! nice pair of SH and the rockies aren't bad either. Great pic and thanks for sharing. What kind of bait were you using?

Good stuff right there!!!

:luxhello:

Those are some nice mother-in-law fish right there.

see pic.. launch from Kid Beach, turn right, go out to 200ft, drop down. :reel:

^ sounds about right. :cheers1: