It's a Fishing Day

Species

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus · family Sparidae

Structure-oriented crustacean eater with famously human-like teeth. VA piers, jetties, and the rocks and pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are the classic targets. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp on a knocker rig right against the structure. Expect to lose tackle.

Preferred conditions

Water temp
60–82°F (ideal 72°F)
Tide
slack
Moon
either
Depth
5–40 ft
Active months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Best sheepshead conditions today

  1. Chincoteague NWR — Fishing Access Accomack, VA
    68/100
  2. Kiptopeke State Park Northampton, VA
    68/100
  3. Cape Charles Town Pier Northampton, VA
    68/100
  4. Ocean City Inlet — North Jetty Worcester, MD · harvest closed
    27/100
  5. Cape Henlopen State Park Sussex, DE · harvest closed
    27/100
  6. Indian River Inlet Sussex, DE · harvest closed
    27/100

Regulations by jurisdiction

Virginia (tidal — VMRC)

tidal bay

Creel
4

Virginia tidal waters: no minimum size (removed in a prior VMRC cycle). 4 fish per day. Open year-round; in practice the fishery is May through October. VMRC regulation 4VAC20-1110.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

atlantic

Creel
4

Virginia Atlantic coast and ocean piers: no minimum size, 4 per day. Seasonal fishery in practice — warm-water months only.

Source · verified 2026-04-22