Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Also called convict fish, prison fish
A distinctive fish with black vertical stripes on a silver body and prominent human-like teeth adapted for crushing shellfish. Known for being excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
Sheepshead at a glance
- Scientific name
- Archosargus probatocephalus
- Typical size
- 12-18 inches
- IGFA world record
- 21 lbs 4 oz
- State record
- 15 lbs 2 oz
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Pier
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Uncommon
Habitat
Pilings, docks, bridges, jetties, seawalls. Feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a sheepshead through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksWhat to throw for sheepshead
The lure classes that produce for sheepshead, drawn from the same species map Cobia reasons about. Each one opens a full page on what it is, when it works and how to fish it.
Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the water in front of you today. That part is the app.
Sheepshead questions people ask
Sheepshead is Archosargus probatocephalus. Anglers also call it convict fish, prison fish.
A typical sheepshead runs 12-18 inches. The IGFA all tackle world record stands at 21 lbs 4 oz. Cobia records the length and weight of every sheepshead you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Pilings, docks, bridges, jetties, seawalls. Feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. It is a salt water species, filed under pier in the Fishdex.
The IGFA all tackle world record sheepshead weighed 21 lbs 4 oz. The standing state record on file is 15 lbs 2 oz.
Jigheads and creature baits and craws all produce. Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the season, the water temperature and the tide on the day, which is the part Cobia works out against the lures you already own.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.