Top 2 Sheepshead Rigs (And When To Use Them) (2024)

• Found In: Fishing Knots, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Sheepshead, WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: 2-14-21

• Comments (30)

Sheepshead are smart, wary fish that have a knack for stealing baits.

So if you want to catch them, you need to get your bait down to them in a way that’s natural, yet allows you to feel the strike and get a good hook set.

In this video, you’ll learn my two favorite rigs to use when targeting sheepshead, as well as when to use them, so you can catch more sheepshead.

Check it out below!

Top 2 Sheepshead Rigs [VIDEO]

Click here to join the Insider Club

When you’re fishing for sheepshead, you’re either dropping your bait down vertically or casting out to structure at an angle.

The best rig for you to use will depend on which way you’re approaching them, so let’s dive into them.

Dropper Rig

A dropper rig is when you have a weight at the end of your line and the hook about a foot and a half above it.

The dropper rig is great for either approach, but especially for when you’re casting to structure at an angle.

Here’s why:

If you’re casting to a piling at an angle, there will usually be a bow in your line because of the current.

When there’s a big bow, it’s harder for you to feel the strike, so you’re more likely to miss out on fish.

But when you use a two or three oz. bank sinker at the end of a dropper rig, you can keep your line tight, take out the bow, and feel strikes much better.

Check out this post to learn how to tie a dropper rig.

And here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• #1 Gamakatsu octopus hook
• 2-3 oz. bank sinker
• A few feet of 20-30 lb. mono leader

You can also use this rig for dropping straight down below you, but it is more complicated to tie, so you might want to use this next rig.

Jig Head

A simple jig head is a great way to rig up baits for when you’re dropping them straight down into sheepshead territory.

You don’t need to worry as much about a bow in your line, so you only have to use a weight that’s heavy enough to get down to the bottom.

I like the bottom sweeper jigs for sheepshead because they let your bait sit up naturally on the bottom.

You can also use the same octopus hook from the dropper rig and just put a split shot above it to get it down to the bottom.

Conclusion

A dropper rig and a simple jig head are the only two rigs for sheepshead you really need.

A dropper rig can be used in all situations, while a jig head is best for when you’re dropping your bait straight down pilings.

Have any questions about these rigs?

What’s your favorite sheepshead rig?

Let me know down in the comments.

And if you know someone who wants to catch more sheepshead, please TAG or SHARE this with them!

P.S. Want access to our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store?Click here to join us in the Insider Club!

Related articles:

• HOW TO CATCH SHEEPSHEAD WITHOUT LIVE BAIT (LIVE VIDEO)
• LIVE SHRIMP VS. FROZEN SHRIMP VS. FIDDLER CRAB (BAIT DURABILITY TEST)

• Fishing Knots, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Sheepshead, WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: 2-14-21