Skip to main content

Sheepshead

Sheepshead

In Mississippi waters, the term 'Sheepshead' refers to two distinct species.

In saltwater along Mississippi's Gulf Coast, Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) are distinguished by their black and white vertical stripes and human-like teeth that crush barnacles, oysters, and crustaceans.

In freshwater, the Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), locally called 'Sheepshead,' inhabits the Mississippi River and large tributaries. Both species are omnivorous bottom feeders.

Scientific Name: Archosargus probatocephalus (saltwater), Aplodinotus grunniens (freshwater)

Also known as Freshwater Drum (locally called 'Sheepshead')

Physical Characteristics:

Saltwater Sheepshead are distinguished by their black and white vertical stripes and human-like teeth. Freshwater drums are silvery, deep-bodied fish characterized by their humped backs.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Saltwater Sheepshead inhabit coastal waters along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. They prefer structure-rich areas including docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and barnacle-covered hard bottoms. Freshwater drums prefer turbid waters with sand or mud bottoms in the Mississippi River system.

Key Locations

Coastal waters around Biloxi, Gulfport, and throughout the Mississippi Sound. Biloxi Bay, Gulfport areas, bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and artificial reefs. Mississippi River and large tributaries for freshwater drum.

Specific Spots

Structure-rich areas including docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and barnacle-covered hard bottoms for saltwater species. Sand and mud bottom areas with slower to moderate current for freshwater drum. Heated discharge areas and deeper structure during winter months.

Sheepshead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Sheepshead in Mississippi?

Prime baits include live fiddler crabs (hooked through the corner of shell), live shrimp, oysters, sand fleas, and cut clams. For freshwater drum: minnows, aquatic insects, and small crustaceans.

When is the best time to fish for Sheepshead in Mississippi?

Peak action during fall through winter for saltwater Sheepshead. Winter months (December-February) provide exceptional saltwater Sheepshead fishing. Spawn in late winter and early spring (February-April) - avoid targeting them during this critical reproductive period.

How do you catch Sheepshead in Mississippi?

Employ Carolina rigs or knocker rigs with 1/2-2oz sliding sinkers and size 1-2/0 hooks. Fish vertically around structure, maintaining bottom contact while detecting subtle bites. Set hooks with steady lifting motion rather than hard jerking.

What do Sheepshead eat?

Saltwater Sheepshead crush barnacles, oysters, and crustaceans with powerful jaws. Freshwater drums feed on crustaceans, mussels, minnows, and aquatic insects, using specialized teeth to process various prey items.

Where do Sheepshead live in Mississippi?

Saltwater Sheepshead inhabit coastal waters along Mississippi's Gulf Coast. They prefer structure-rich areas including docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and barnacle-covered hard bottoms. Freshwater drums prefer turbid waters with sand or mud bottoms in the Mississippi River system.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Sheepshead.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Sheepshead water

    Pick Sheepshead and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Sheepshead

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Sheepshead are.

Open the map, filter by Sheepshead, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Mississippi licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Mississippi waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.