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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Sheepshead in Tampa Bay & Charlotte Harbor may fishing.

Archosargus probatocephalusSeasonal MovementGood

Strong inshore fishery on docks and structure.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Good Pre-spawn concentrations at passes and jetties. Typical water temp: 54–62°FGoodFeb — Good Peak Gulf spawn. Typical water temp: 58–66°FGoodMar — Good Spawning continuing. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodApr — Good Fish dispersing. Typical water temp: 68–76°FGoodMay — Good Strong inshore fishery on docks and structure. Typical water temp: 72–80°FGoodJun — Fair Resident summer pattern. Typical water temp: 80–84°FFairJul — Fair Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairAug — Fair Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairSep — Good Fall feeding. Typical water temp: 78–84°FGoodOct — Good Strong fall fishing. Typical water temp: 70–78°FGoodNov — Good Pre-spawn movement. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodDec — Good Pre-spawn concentration. Typical water temp: 56–62°FGood

Migration pattern

Pre-spawn concentrations at passes January–March; spawn February–April; resident summer on docks; pre-spawn return November–December.

Best locations

  • Skyway bridges
  • Egmont Key
  • Boca Grande Pass
  • Charlotte Harbor flats

Top lures

  • Live fiddler crabs
  • Peeled shrimp
  • Barnacles
  • Sand fleas
  • Small jigs tipped with shrimp
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Sheepshead in other regions

Get a notification when sheepshead show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Tampa Bay & Charlotte Harbor.

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