Sheepshead Fishing in Mississippi
When sheepshead are caught across Mississippi, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Sheepshead catch through the year
Recreational catch in Mississippi by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Mississippi
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching sheepshead in Mississippi
Sheepshead catches in Mississippi run hardest around Jan-Feb, with the strongest two-month windows in Jan-Feb and Nov-Dec. Anglers keep about 25% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Mississippi fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch sheepshead in Mississippi?+
Catches peak around Jan-Feb (January and February). The strongest two-month windows are Jan-Feb and Nov-Dec. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release sheepshead in Mississippi?+
Across Mississippi, about 25% of the sheepshead caught are kept and 75% are released. That works out to roughly 193K kept and 578K released in 2024.
How many sheepshead are caught in Mississippi?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 771K sheepshead caught by recreational anglers in Mississippi in 2024, making it the #9 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this sheepshead data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
