One of our best flavored fishes. Among the angling fraternity it is deemed a plug, as its capture is laborious and affords no sport. Most are taken in a matter-of-fact way, with nets and spears. They are wary, resentful, and difficult to land. Usual weight from eight to twelve pounds. Sheepshead frequent bays, lying on submerged rocks, in mussel-beds, and near old wrecks. They migrate in schools. The catch lasts from June to October. Habitat, from New York to Georgia.

For tackle use stout flaxen or cotton twisted line, two hundred to four hundred feet, large Black-fish hook, and one-pound sinker. Sheepshead are best managed with hand-line. If the rod is preferred, let it be stiff and stout, and use landing-net.