Sheepshead Fishing With Steve
Fishing for Sheepshead with Captain John on Folly Beach, South Carolina
Nestled just south of Charleston, Folly Beach is a gem of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, known to locals as the “Edge of America.” This charming barrier island offers more than just sun-soaked beaches and laid-back vibes—it’s a paradise for anglers chasing one of the coast’s most underrated gamefish: the sheepshead. Recently, I had the chance to join Captain John, a seasoned guide with Folly Beach Fishing Charters, for a day on the water targeting these crafty, hard-fighting fish. What unfolded was an adventure filled with local knowledge, subtle bites, and the thrill of reeling in a fish that doesn’t give up easily.
Meeting Captain John
The morning began at the public dock near the Folly River Bridge, where Captain John greeted me with a warm handshake and a grin that hinted at years spent on the water. A lifelong angler with a deep connection to Charleston’s waterways, John has made it his mission to share the art of fishing with newcomers and seasoned pros alike. His boat, a sleek 24-foot center console, was rigged with rods, a bucket brimming with fiddler crabs, and all the gear we’d need for the day. “Sheepshead are tricky,” he warned as we cast off, “but once you get the hang of it, there’s nothing like it.”
The tide was just starting to rise, and the air carried that crisp, salty scent of early spring—perfect conditions for sheepshead fishing on Folly Beach. John steered us toward the maze of creeks and pilings that define the island’s inshore waters, explaining that February and March are prime months for targeting these fish as they gather near structure to feed before their spring spawn.
The Sheepshead Challenge
Sheepshead aren’t your average catch. With their black-and-white stripes and human-like teeth designed to crush barnacles, oysters, and crabs, they’re as fascinating as they are challenging. Known for their bait-stealing finesse, they demand patience, sharp focus, and a quick hook set. Captain John handed me a medium-heavy spinning rod rigged with a Carolina setup: a 1-ounce egg sinker, a short 6-inch fluorocarbon leader, and a 1/0 hook baited with a lively fiddler crab. “Feel for the tap,” he instructed. “They’ll nibble before they commit—don’t jerk too hard, just lift and reel.”
We positioned the boat alongside a weathered dock piling encrusted with barnacles, a sheepshead hotspot. John dropped anchor with precision, ensuring we were close enough to fish vertically without spooking our quarry. The tide tugged gently at the line as I lowered the bait, watching it disappear into the murky green depths. Within minutes, I felt it—a faint peck, then another. My instinct was to yank the rod, but John’s voice steadied me: “Wait for it.” On the third tap, the line went taut, and I lifted the rod tip. The fight was on.
Sheepshead don’t run like redfish or leap like tarpon, but they pull with stubborn ferocity, diving for cover among the pilings. My fish made a beeline for the structure, testing the drag and my reflexes. John coached me through it, advising me to keep the line tight and steer the fish away from the barnacle-covered wood. After a tense minute, a flash of stripes broke the surface—a solid 3-pounder. John netted it with a practiced swoop, and I couldn’t help but marvel at those teeth as he unhooked it. “Good eater,” he said with a nod. “Let’s get a few more.”
A Day on Folly’s Waters
As the sun climbed higher, we moved to other spots—rocky jetties, oyster beds, and a sunken log John swore by. Each location offered a new lesson in sheepshead behavior. John shared how these fish shift with the seasons: in winter, they school up near reefs just offshore, but as the water warms (ideally above 60 degrees), they flood the inshore waters of Folly Beach to feast on crustaceans and mollusks. Today, the water temp hovered around 58°F, but John’s knack for finding fish made up for the slightly cool conditions.
Between casts, he pointed out dolphins slicing through the Folly River and recounted tales of the area’s history, from pirate lore to the ecological role of the oyster beds in keeping these waters clean. His passion for the Lowcountry was infectious, turning the trip into more than just a fishing outing—it was a deep dive into the soul of Folly Beach.
By midday, we’d landed a half-dozen sheepshead, ranging from 2 to 5 pounds, along with a bonus black drum that couldn’t resist the crab. John cleaned a couple for me to take home, noting that sheepshead’s firm, white flesh makes for a delicious dinner—especially when grilled with a touch of lemon and butter.
Why Fish with Captain John?
Folly Beach boasts plenty of fishing opportunities, from the iconic pier to offshore reefs, but there’s something special about chasing sheepshead with a guide like Captain John. His intimate knowledge of the tides, structure, and fish habits takes the guesswork out of the equation, letting you focus on the thrill of the catch. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, he tailors the trip to your skill level, offering tips on everything from detecting bites to landing fish without losing them to the pilings.
South Carolina’s sheepshead fishery is well-managed, with a 14-inch minimum size and a 10-fish-per-person limit, ensuring plenty of action for years to come. With Captain John at the helm, you’re not just fishing—you’re tapping into a tradition that celebrates the Lowcountry’s rich marine life.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re itching to tangle with sheepshead on Folly Beach, booking a trip with Captain John through Folly Beach Fishing Charters is a no-brainer. Bring a light jacket for the morning chill (it’s February 17, 2025, after all), polarized sunglasses to cut the glare, and a willingness to learn. The best bites often come in late winter and early spring, but sheepshead are around year-round, making Folly Beach a reliable destination whenever the fishing bug bites.
As we motored back to the dock, the skyline of Charleston glimmering in the distance, I couldn’t help but feel hooked—not just on sheepshead, but on the magic of fishing Folly Beach with Captain John. It’s a trip that promises tight lines, good company, and a taste of the Lowcountry you won’t soon forget.
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