January Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: Prime Time for Trophy Sheepshead

January 5th, 2026

A New Year Brings the Best Sheepshead Fishing of the Season

January marks the start of a new year—and for me, it also signals the best sheepshead fishing I see all year. From January through April, these fish move into spawning mode, and this is when the big females show up. I’ve personally seen sheepshead caught over 12 pounds during this window, making winter an absolute must-fish season for anglers who love a challenge.

Cooler temperatures push fish into predictable patterns, and if you know where to look, January can produce some truly unforgettable days on the water.

Structure and Depth: Where the Big Sheepshead Live

When it comes to targeting trophy sheepshead, structure is everything. I focus on:

Docks
Bridges
Seawalls
Jetties
Any structure with heavy barnacle or oyster growth

Depth also matters this time of year. I’ve found the larger spawning females tend to hold in 8 feet of water or deeper, especially around areas with good current flow. If you’re fishing shallow, chances are you’re missing the bigger fish.

Best Baits for January Sheepshead

When available, fiddler crabs are hands-down my favorite bait for sheepshead. They’re natural, durable, and irresistible to big fish. If fiddlers are hard to come by, sand fleas are a very close second and work extremely well all winter long.

Other baits that sheepshead will eat include:

Live shrimp
Blue crab knuckles

Believe it or not, I’ve even seen videos of sheepshead caught on peas, blood worms, and other oddball baits. These fish aren’t picky—but they are cautious.

Light Bites and the Right Rig

Sheepshead are famous for their extremely light bite, especially in cold water. Many times, you won’t even feel the bite—you’ll just notice the weight is gone.

My setup is simple and effective:

Short leader
Just enough weight to barely touch the bottom
Small, strong hook

There are also plenty of jig heads designed specifically for sheepshead, including:

Football jigs
Bottom Sweeper–style jigs

I prefer jigs that keep the bait tight to the structure while still allowing a natural presentation. Sensitivity is key—keep your line tight and stay focused

Chumming vs. Finding the School

Chumming can be a great way to fire up inactive sheepshead, especially around docks or bridges. That said, if you locate a school of spawning fish, you won’t need chum at all. When they’re stacked up, the bite can be fast and furious—and you’ll burn through bait quickly.

If you’re getting consistent bites, stay put. Odds are the school is sitting right below you.

January Bonus Species: Black Drum

January is also a great month to put some black drum in the boat. These fish are excellent table fare and are often found around the same winter structure as sheepshead.

My go-to baits for black drum:

Live shrimp
Quartered blue crab

They hit harder than sheepshead and are much less subtle, making them a fun bonus species while winter fishing.

Why I Love January on the Water

If you pick your days wisely, January can offer some of the best fishing of the year. Less boat traffic, cooler temperatures, and predictable fish behavior make for relaxed but productive trips. I actually welcome the cold snaps—it’s a reminder that spring is right around the corner, and the fishery is only going to get better from here.

Final Thoughts: Winter Fishing Done Right

January proves that New Smyrna Beach fishing doesn’t slow down in winter—it just changes gears. If you enjoy technical fishing, light bites, and the chance at trophy-class sheepshead, this is your season.

As always, if you see the Yellow Dawg Fishing crew out on the water, give us a holler. And if you’re ready to experience the best winter fishing Florida has to offer, give us a call and let’s get you on the water!

FAQs: January Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

1. Is January good for sheepshead fishing?
Absolutely. January through April is peak season for large, spawning sheepshead.

2. What’s the best bait for sheepshead in winter?
Fiddler crabs are best when available, followed closely by sand fleas.

3. How deep should I fish for big sheepshead?
Target 8 feet of water or deeper, especially around heavy structure.

4. Are sheepshead hard to hook?
Yes—their bite is very light. Sensitivity and patience are key.

5. What other species can I catch in January?
Black drum are very common and great to eat during winter months.

6. How do I book a winter charter with Yellow Dawg Fishing?
Visit https://yellowdawgfishing.com/ or give us a call to schedule your trip.

Book Your Winter Fishing Charter Today

Don’t let cooler weather fool you—January fishing in New Smyrna Beach can be outstanding. Join Yellow Dawg Fishing for a guided inshore trip targeting trophy sheepshead and black drum and start the year off right.

Call today or book online at https://yellowdawgfishing.com/