WOW! so glad to have you building/sharing your expertise in our waters (gulf) learn alot from all your presentations and looking forward to watching Florida trips. Thanks John
Just stumbled across this video and became a subscriber. I purchased a house in Florida several years ago as I plan on retiring there after I get my last 2 sponges sent off firmly to college. What I am witnessing here is exactly all that I will want in retirement (except for the beer). Somehow I will need to figure out this completely different animal of salt water fishing. I presently live in Michigan and fish numerous inland lakes for bass and pike and the Great Lakes for salmon, trout, walleye and Lake St. Clair for huge panfish. I will definitely need to meet someone like you to learn this new environment...man!...I cannot wait.
i’ve always pulled right up the bridge/piling and tied up. they don’t spook like redfish or snook. gotta remember they live in structure where boats and heavy wake are the normal.
I have experience with spooking manatees! Last March I was fishing in my kayak in Estero Bay, the spot I was in wasn't promising and the sun was getting up enough that I decided to put some sunscreen on while I pondered where to go next. So I'm drifting along doing that about 30' from the mangroves in less than 3' of water when I hear a loud snort. I looked up to see a manatee less than 2 feet off my bow with it's head above water looking at me. I thought "crap I'm too close to this manatee" and looked down to grab my paddle, then realized I was also drifting on top of a big submerged log... then realized it wasn't a log at all it was another manatee and I was right on top of it. I braced myself, because I was pretty sure what happens next was going to be bad... and it was. The instant the bottom of my kayak touched the manatee's back it spooked and bucked me up in the air like I was riding a bull, and the exact same instant - and I swear I saw this - the first manatee also spooked and came almost completely out of the water to get away. Then it was like I was surrounded by water, then I came back down amid massive churning waves, with 2 gigantic wakes of the manatees moving away fast. Somehow I didn't flip, it was one of the most terrifying 3 seconds of my life! I was just stunned, I just started paddling and didn't stop until I was about 2 miles away and stopped at a small island to collect my wits. I did have a good day fishing once I was able to fish again lol.
Hi John I lived in Florida for 12 years love fishing for sheepshead great fish to go after I think that you could use the spot lock or the anchor either way once they are hugging the structure they are not going anywhere usually the chum works pretty good so break some oysters and barnacles into a bucket and Chum as soon as you get to the spot it will get them active real quick they're just like a black fish as far as using the jig head it's the best possible approach.
I catch them from shore, but in that kayak, fishing those pilings... if it were me? I'm getting as close to those pilings as possible and probably anchoring. It is such a subtle bite that I try to fish as close to vertical as possible. If in the mood for something different, I've had a lot of success using just a graphite bream buster/crappie rod and using the extended reach to jig vertically around rocks and pilings (works well for flounder too... just replace crab with mud minnow on falling tide). All that being said... it certainly doesnt look like you need any help haha. Pulling them in one after another like usual. Great video
Fishing has been great! Incoming tide has been the best for me! Another thing I’ve noticed with just about everything is if you anchor you you get a few more fish I’m a believer that the trolling motor scares them!
I like the feedback you've gotten so far. I'm a former long islander, but I have been fishing Florida for 30 years. In general, they are not spooked that easily, but like with many fish some days they act funny and on a few occasions especially in shallow water sometimes it's better to not be right on top of the structure and cast in which is essentially what you were doing. You're have great success and crabs are the way to go for sheeps.
Like any other fish, they definitely seem less reluctant to bite if it's like a bright sunny day in a few feet of water. Defintely have better luck on overcast days if fishing shallow
Manatees get much bigger than the one in your vid. We kayak the Crystal River are a LOT and they have been known to overturn a yak, but not on purpose. If the larger ones come up they sometimes don’t sense or see a yak and will simply lift it out of the water periodically overturning the yak. As for spooking them, yes, they make a huge commotion but only if they don’t see you or know your there. They sleep underwater and come up for air in long intervals so it’s not uncommon for them to wake up while under a noisy paddler and their tail is massive so in shallow water it moves a LOT of water and can tip an inexperienced or startled yaker. Hope this helps! 🍻
I saw how you looked for one more crab and it reminded me of losing the last crab while blackfishing and looking around the deck for one that might have gotten away for one more chance…I felt like they beat me lol
In all my experience with sheepshead I’ve never seen them spook easily. But I’m also fishing deeper than 6ft. My last trip to NC I had them under my kayak just perusing the pilings, without a care in the world
John I chartered a local guy in Stuart FL that has fished the area for his entire life when fishing docks etc all he used was spot-lock. We caught some nice snook, sheepshead and black drum.
Just saw this video. Manatees in general come up for air regardless of whats above them. Thats why many have propeller marks on their backs. I have not heard of a manatee spilling a kayaker but I have had them come up beside me. It is scary. As far as being followed, I have a Hobie PA, same color as you, and have had manatees follow me like I was the mothership. Once a female with a calf stayed on my stern or beside me until I got away from them. As far as the spot lock, I had one on a boat I sold last year. Ths spot lock never seemed to bother the fish.
WOW EXCELLENT CATCH ON A KAYAK. AND GREAT TO MENTION THE FISH UP HERE NORTH BLACK FISH FISHING IS OUTSTANDING HERE ON STATEN ISLAND AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS. FIDLERS WOULD OF AWESOME THERE BY YOU. BUT WHATEVER YOUR USING,HEY ITS WORKING.👍👍👍
I have had loads of sea cow buddies. none have ever bumped me hard enough to move me. just a huge curious critter. I definately think the trolling motor spooks them when it spins around on spot lock it cavitates
I am Fishing out of the OldTown Sportsman BigWater 132 PDL so am not sure on the spooking aspect from the spot lock but I DO know that the 20" Sheeper is legit in SW FL! Tight lines!
I mostly fish for snook and trout but I see alot of big sheephead when I go.i have never tried to catch them but that looked like fun may have to try it
Last year when you said you were fishing Pine Island I said he's close to me, then I find out that there's three Pine Islands in FL. A couple of years ago while paddling out in the early morning light I went over a herd of manatee's I guess I hit one with the paddle and they scattered in every direction I just held on and as the guy below though I was being dumped but wasn't. The same year I was anchored and fishing cut bait all of a sudden something touched my arm I jumped so bad I almost flipped the kayak then, when I looked it was a manatee smelling me and it hung around playing with my bait bucket.
John. Love the videos. Save those bigger claws and drop those down. Seems like the smaller ones dont like them too much. Plus if you run out of the crabs themselves you still have viable bait.
Those sheepshead are built very similar to our snapper in New Zealand which grow to over 30lb, although 20lb is a trophy and having weighed and measured about 27 billion of them, 20 inches, is 50cm which is over 2 kilos closer to 5lb than 4lb. Wonderful video as usual thanks.
Interesting though about the spot lock possibly scaring fish. 🤔 it’s totally possible. I bet it depends how deep they are. Like on the Chesapeake bay bridge for example it may not matter vs shorter pilings on old docks close to shore..
Hey captain, cons (they are very good at stealing your bait) are not spooky at all IMO. We use a scraper to brake barnacles off the bridges while they are down there and they indeed love the noise of that scraping tool. Lol.
John I'd be shocked if you're spooking them. I gig sheepshead by driving right up to them and sticking them. You could try spot locking further away then pitching in. Might pull some big redfish doing it that way too. 😁
mangrove crabs are smaller but very easy to pick off the mangroves when its chilly outside at sunrise when they are trying to warm up. I've also caught them under concrete bridges and are much larger but still slightly smaller then the mud crabs. Sea cows scare the crap out of me. I had 1 rock me side to side in my Slayer Max a year ago. I didnt fall out but had I been standing it may have been another story.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing I've noticed that the live in small squads. 3-6. If I see one o mangrove branch then I slowly look harder because theere are usually more. I also walk a shoreline with my waders on if I know the bottom is solid and grab them off of the branches that way. I hope this helps. Also try sheepshead filet smothered in butter and some everglades seasoning
Based on your results I'd say the motor is not spooking them at all. I notice they really inspect the baits carefully at times and sometime they won't bite but you can still see them around. so I don't think activity makes them leave. A spooked manatee will flip you. They are very curious but if you bump them in shallow water you may get flipped. Almost happened to me two weeks ago.
Like others have said, sheep aren't easily spooked. I don't even bother anchoring with my kayak to be honest, but I don't think the sheep would care either way. As for bait, unfortunately it's tough to get crabs in the winter time. They are all over the place the rest of the year. Salt strong has a video on catching crabs in the winter months I believe. Shrimp work just fine for sheep, I cut them into chunks. Some people also swear by the artificial crab baits with added scent. As for the manatee, they hang around my kayak constantly. I believe it's illegal to feed them FYI. Never had any close calls with them flipping me. They have awful breath though because sometimes they breathe on me and it's brutal lol.
"Manatees are calm and peaceful marine mammals that pose no danger to swimmers. In fact, they are curious animals that enjoy human interaction and are quite happy to relate with and be around humans."
You say you have trouble getting the mud crabs. Maybe you could try mangrove crabs? Usually for me on a kayak they will sit near bridges and pillars in the water. I use a net under them to catch before they jump in
So you took my advice on the jerk bait. Those sheepshead don’t care if you’re anchored or spot locked, they move in to the shallows in the cold to spawn. The manatees are either looking for a drink of fresh water or rub barnacles off. Try not to touch the trout with your bare fingers. This takes off the slime on their skin and will leave an “acid” burn on their flesh. Thank you.
It’s actually Captain not chief and has been personally for nearly 25 years and 60 years for my family. I meant no disrespect to Mr. Skinner, however, after working so many years with biologists and FWC, it was determined that touching trout with bare hands removes their slime and will leave a hand print. I know Mr. Skinner is a great fisherman. Anyone can tell by watching his videos and listening to him ask questions to gain more knowledge. We just want to protect our wonderful natural recourses here in the great state of Florida.
I love not only the content but also the platform you've created to share info. I agree with most of the comments that sheepshead are tough to spook. Usually if I miss one I go right back to the same spot and often get the fish to strike again. Also to find the crabs, start flipping rocks at low tide. I saw you do that for crabs up north for blackfish. Same thing just maybe 2-3 crab instead of 50. As always check local laws too, here in NC its illegal to kill stone crab and they look almost identical to mud crabs, i have no idea about Florida. And finally, if you read this far down I will reward you. Urchins, thats the secret to big sheepshead. Get some and hang on.
I haven't seen urchins. We have the same stone crab issue here. It's pretty easy to tell the difference. The banded legs on the stone crabs are one of the differences.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing You got it for the crabs. Find some divers down there and see if they can help you find urchins, thats what i do. Occasionally the bait shops will carry them
Hahahaha I just showed Katy, she wants to swim with manatees. No thanks lol. Nice work on the sheeps. I think next time I'm down I'm going to look for old structures and try for them.
Dont think you have to worry about the manatee too much, but something like a sea lion i would move away from if they’re around. They can be much more territorial
Used to kayak-fish a lot in the Crystal River/Ozello backwaters and had two hairy encounters with manatees. One I believe was startled when it came up not knowing I was above him, but another was a little aggressive. I got an unnerving ride in both cases but didn’t turtle
John lived in port charlotte 8 years fish the pine and other areas for the sheep you can fine the mud crabs at low tide like back home around the small piles of rocks by flipping them over like you do in LI. Q if you had to chose one yak would you go with the Old town or the Hobie
Just watching the sheepshead get caught made me hungry. And I feel like that flounder you caught is probably embarrassed. He'll probably gain 15lbs and migrate up north so he can redeem himself on one of your future flounder fishing videos.
I ran over a sleeping manatee in my canoe a number of years ago. It quickly turned into a rodeo and I was barely able to keep the boat upright. My buddy was freaked out because he thought it was an alligator. So the answer to your question is yes they can easily upend you. Occasionally you will encounter manatees mating and see the amount of water they kick up. BTW, I fish from a skiff and a kayak and really enjoy your videos👍
I’ll share a kayak story, I accidentally bumped a manatee years ago on shallow water Grass flats in Tampabay, it Spooked, along with about a dozen others Which created a mini tidal wave which just about flipped me. Here’s a theory,I used to have a yellow kayak and manatees used to harass me(friendly) All the time. Nowadays I have a dark blue kayak and they never come around anymore, Maybe they’re attracted Light colors… Tight lines
I seen at Big Boys bait and tackle in Cape Coral had on their board inside a couple of weeks ago that they carry frozen sand fleas. Located on Pine Island Road.
Lmbo, i think all fisherman look for that one more bait when then know there's no more funny! Maybe it was a slow day, but you caught quality fish. Quality over quantity any day of the week.
John l have found that some manatees are somehow attracted to trolling motors. I don’t have a kayak yet but l hope to find some reds and trout that you did in a previous video.
Manatees are very smart like dogs. He wanted attention because he knew you weren't a threat. Probably wanted you to pet him, I've seen that before, too.
Love the manatee slickin the moves on the autopilot. obviously the minnkota prop did not frighten it one bit. that was both beautiful and a little scary at the same time. did you get any mega side scan images of the pilings and all those fish? keep em coming john... thanks for posting.
Is eating Fluke getting old, need to try something different. It seems you have a wide assortment of different species to sample. Sheepshead, from what i've heard they're tasty. Manatee Wow, I've had harbor seals come and check me out, curiosity I'm sure.
Are you willing to share location of the wooden structure you were catching sheephead? And what water depth were you at I am having a terrible time locating fish or it could be I am just a terrible fisherman lol lol ……
John when you are up north do you ever target cunner/bergal? I live in NH and we are too far north for Tog/blackfish. I assume the fisheries are similar but was wondering what the differences might be. Generally we get them as by catch for cod. (We being me and my fishing buddy.)
I’ve seen people feed them by hand in FL, wild manatees pretty crazy l. We have had them come up right next to us when we on SUP paddle boarding fishing.
I have kayak fished directly over them in deeper water...15 - 20+. However, in shallow water....less than 10',..especially when it is clear,.... it is my experience that some of them seem to be more skittish. I wonder if they are more skittish, because there are fewer points of egress for them, they think it is a predator, or from fishing pressure. I seem to have better luck after a rain shower when the water clarity is a little turbid.
Really enjoyed it. Being from East Texas, I have no idea where you are at. And I don't know if you will answer this question, If or maybe you can tell me generally where you are at. I am not asking for any specifics, But in case if I decide to drive up there , I sure would like to know some key points where to cast my line in my boat.
WOW! so glad to have you building/sharing your expertise in our waters (gulf) learn alot from all your presentations and looking forward to watching Florida trips. Thanks John
Any green leafy vegetable you can feed a Manatee...Lettuce, Cabbage, Mustard, Turnip or Collard Greens, Kale, Broccoli Rabe. Great fishing as well!
That’s illegal
Mr. Skinner - You made an excellent fishing video. No nonsense - just great fishing. Thank You. That trout was Gorgeous..
Just stumbled across this video and became a subscriber. I purchased a house in Florida several years ago as I plan on retiring there after I get my last 2 sponges sent off firmly to college. What I am witnessing here is exactly all that I will want in retirement (except for the beer). Somehow I will need to figure out this completely different animal of salt water fishing. I presently live in Michigan and fish numerous inland lakes for bass and pike and the Great Lakes for salmon, trout, walleye and Lake St. Clair for huge panfish. I will definitely need to meet someone like you to learn this new environment...man!...I cannot wait.
Most of the people here are from Michigan. No exaggeration.
i’ve always pulled right up the bridge/piling and tied up. they don’t spook like redfish or snook. gotta remember they live in structure where boats and heavy wake are the normal.
I have experience with spooking manatees! Last March I was fishing in my kayak in Estero Bay, the spot I was in wasn't promising and the sun was getting up enough that I decided to put some sunscreen on while I pondered where to go next. So I'm drifting along doing that about 30' from the mangroves in less than 3' of water when I hear a loud snort. I looked up to see a manatee less than 2 feet off my bow with it's head above water looking at me. I thought "crap I'm too close to this manatee" and looked down to grab my paddle, then realized I was also drifting on top of a big submerged log... then realized it wasn't a log at all it was another manatee and I was right on top of it. I braced myself, because I was pretty sure what happens next was going to be bad... and it was. The instant the bottom of my kayak touched the manatee's back it spooked and bucked me up in the air like I was riding a bull, and the exact same instant - and I swear I saw this - the first manatee also spooked and came almost completely out of the water to get away. Then it was like I was surrounded by water, then I came back down amid massive churning waves, with 2 gigantic wakes of the manatees moving away fast. Somehow I didn't flip, it was one of the most terrifying 3 seconds of my life! I was just stunned, I just started paddling and didn't stop until I was about 2 miles away and stopped at a small island to collect my wits. I did have a good day fishing once I was able to fish again lol.
Oh boy. I want none of that. Thanks for the story!
😂😂😂😂.
Hi John I lived in Florida for 12 years love fishing for sheepshead great fish to go after I think that you could use the spot lock or the anchor either way once they are hugging the structure they are not going anywhere usually the chum works pretty good so break some oysters and barnacles into a bucket and Chum as soon as you get to the spot it will get them active real quick they're just like a black fish as far as using the jig head it's the best possible approach.
Thanks for that!
I agree. Sheeps have never been a spooky fish in my eyes.
I catch them from shore, but in that kayak, fishing those pilings... if it were me? I'm getting as close to those pilings as possible and probably anchoring. It is such a subtle bite that I try to fish as close to vertical as possible. If in the mood for something different, I've had a lot of success using just a graphite bream buster/crappie rod and using the extended reach to jig vertically around rocks and pilings (works well for flounder too... just replace crab with mud minnow on falling tide).
All that being said... it certainly doesnt look like you need any help haha. Pulling them in one after another like usual. Great video
john i am loving the flowers on your cooler 😀
I love bottom fishing with the slimwave rod!
Fishing has been great! Incoming tide has been the best for me! Another thing I’ve noticed with just about everything is if you anchor you you get a few more fish I’m a believer that the trolling motor scares them!
Spotlock is the perfect way to fish Sheepshead
I think every fisherman watching related a lot to that groan at the end when you lost that fish. Thanks for your videos, John
I like the feedback you've gotten so far. I'm a former long islander, but I have been fishing Florida for 30 years. In general, they are not spooked that easily, but like with many fish some days they act funny and on a few occasions especially in shallow water sometimes it's better to not be right on top of the structure and cast in which is essentially what you were doing. You're have great success and crabs are the way to go for sheeps.
Like any other fish, they definitely seem less reluctant to bite if it's like a bright sunny day in a few feet of water. Defintely have better luck on overcast days if fishing shallow
Awesome video! Those sheepshead fight hard!
Manatees get much bigger than the one in your vid. We kayak the Crystal River are a LOT and they have been known to overturn a yak, but not on purpose. If the larger ones come up they sometimes don’t sense or see a yak and will simply lift it out of the water periodically overturning the yak. As for spooking them, yes, they make a huge commotion but only if they don’t see you or know your there. They sleep underwater and come up for air in long intervals so it’s not uncommon for them to wake up while under a noisy paddler and their tail is massive so in shallow water it moves a LOT of water and can tip an inexperienced or startled yaker. Hope this helps! 🍻
I saw how you looked for one more crab and it reminded me of losing the last crab while blackfishing and looking around the deck for one that might have gotten away for one more chance…I felt like they beat me lol
As usual the king strikes again with another great video. Keep it up man
In all my experience with sheepshead I’ve never seen them spook easily. But I’m also fishing deeper than 6ft. My last trip to NC I had them under my kayak just perusing the pilings, without a care in the world
John I chartered a local guy in Stuart FL that has fished the area for his entire life when fishing docks etc all he used was spot-lock. We caught some nice snook, sheepshead and black drum.
Thanks for that!
Just saw this video. Manatees in general come up for air regardless of whats above them. Thats why many have propeller marks on their backs. I have not heard of a manatee spilling a kayaker but I have had them come up beside me. It is scary. As far as being followed, I have a Hobie PA, same color as you, and have had manatees follow me like I was the mothership. Once a female with a calf stayed on my stern or beside me until I got away from them. As far as the spot lock, I had one on a boat I sold last year. Ths spot lock never seemed to bother the fish.
WOW EXCELLENT CATCH ON A KAYAK. AND GREAT TO MENTION THE FISH UP HERE NORTH BLACK FISH FISHING IS OUTSTANDING HERE ON STATEN ISLAND AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS. FIDLERS WOULD OF AWESOME THERE BY YOU. BUT WHATEVER YOUR USING,HEY ITS WORKING.👍👍👍
I have had loads of sea cow buddies. none have ever bumped me hard enough to move me. just a huge curious critter. I definately think the trolling motor spooks them when it spins around on spot lock it cavitates
Great stuff John, been watching for awhile thanks for helping me become a better fisherman!
Great job and great video. Those sheepshead are some of the few fish that I even keep anymore. Way to go. A few whoppers there.
I am Fishing out of the OldTown Sportsman BigWater 132 PDL so am not sure on the spooking aspect from the spot lock but I DO know that the 20" Sheeper is legit in SW FL! Tight lines!
I mostly fish for snook and trout but I see alot of big sheephead when I go.i have never tried to catch them but that looked like fun may have to try it
I catch tautog and sheepshead here in ocean city Maryland, both fight hard but the sheeps have a much softer bite that’s harder to feel
Last year when you said you were fishing Pine Island I said he's close to me, then I find out that there's three Pine Islands in FL. A couple of years ago while paddling out in the early morning light I went over a herd of manatee's I guess I hit one with the paddle and they scattered in every direction I just held on and as the guy below though I was being dumped but wasn't. The same year I was anchored and fishing cut bait all of a sudden something touched my arm I jumped so bad I almost flipped the kayak then, when I looked it was a manatee smelling me and it hung around playing with my bait bucket.
Your cooler never gets old, LOL!
I grew up and live in Florida and as a kid used to get out of the boat and play with some manatees. Not all are that friendly but some are.
when i fish the mangroves for sheepshead i usually drift. but have had success anchroing as well
Nice flower pattern on that cooler! :)
$6 at a yard sale.
I love that fishery one of my favs in SWFL
I love catching them down in Naples
I lived in West Palm for a couple years. I got hooked on sheepshead fishing. They aren't too spooky. Sand flea thieving son of a guns
Anchoring is 10x more spooky to fish than spot locking. Never had an issue with even more sensitive fish in shallow water (specks and such).
John. Love the videos. Save those bigger claws and drop those down. Seems like the smaller ones dont like them too much. Plus if you run out of the crabs themselves you still have viable bait.
Those sheepshead are built very similar to our snapper in New Zealand which grow to over 30lb, although 20lb is a trophy and having weighed and measured about 27 billion of them, 20 inches, is 50cm which is over 2 kilos closer to 5lb than 4lb. Wonderful video as usual thanks.
Thanks for that weight estimate!
Very entertaining. I'm a little surprised that no black drum joined the sheepshead party
Even the manatees want to learn to fish from you John.
Interesting though about the spot lock possibly scaring fish. 🤔 it’s totally possible. I bet it depends how deep they are. Like on the Chesapeake bay bridge for example it may not matter vs shorter pilings on old docks close to shore..
Crap, that giant sheepshead at 4:23 LOL
Your living the dream! God bless.
Looks like your Sheep Head are the same as our Bream in Australia.
Hey captain, cons (they are very good at stealing your bait) are not spooky at all IMO. We use a scraper to brake barnacles off the bridges while they are down there and they indeed love the noise of that scraping tool. Lol.
John I'd be shocked if you're spooking them. I gig sheepshead by driving right up to them and sticking them.
You could try spot locking further away then pitching in. Might pull some big redfish doing it that way too. 😁
mangrove crabs are smaller but very easy to pick off the mangroves when its chilly outside at sunrise when they are trying to warm up. I've also caught them under concrete bridges and are much larger but still slightly smaller then the mud crabs. Sea cows scare the crap out of me. I had 1 rock me side to side in my Slayer Max a year ago. I didnt fall out but had I been standing it may have been another story.
Thanks for that info! I need to look closer for those mangrove crabs. I've seen a few, but not in any concentration.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing I've noticed that the live in small squads. 3-6. If I see one o mangrove branch then I slowly look harder because theere are usually more. I also walk a shoreline with my waders on if I know the bottom is solid and grab them off of the branches that way. I hope this helps.
Also try sheepshead filet smothered in butter and some everglades seasoning
Based on your results I'd say the motor is not spooking them at all. I notice they really inspect the baits carefully at times and sometime they won't bite but you can still see them around. so I don't think activity makes them leave. A spooked manatee will flip you. They are very curious but if you bump them in shallow water you may get flipped. Almost happened to me two weeks ago.
Like others have said, sheep aren't easily spooked. I don't even bother anchoring with my kayak to be honest, but I don't think the sheep would care either way.
As for bait, unfortunately it's tough to get crabs in the winter time. They are all over the place the rest of the year. Salt strong has a video on catching crabs in the winter months I believe. Shrimp work just fine for sheep, I cut them into chunks. Some people also swear by the artificial crab baits with added scent.
As for the manatee, they hang around my kayak constantly. I believe it's illegal to feed them FYI. Never had any close calls with them flipping me. They have awful breath though because sometimes they breathe on me and it's brutal lol.
Thanks! My experience, limited as it is, is that the crabs far outproduce the shrimp on size.
I use my spot lock on my key west and catch tons of sheepshead, so i don't think it bothers them too much.
"Manatees are calm and peaceful marine mammals that pose no danger to swimmers. In fact, they are curious animals that enjoy human interaction and are quite happy to relate with and be around humans."
You say you have trouble getting the mud crabs. Maybe you could try mangrove crabs? Usually for me on a kayak they will sit near bridges and pillars in the water. I use a net under them to catch before they jump in
Thanks! I'm getting some from the mangroves.
Wow great fishing
So you took my advice on the jerk bait. Those sheepshead don’t care if you’re anchored or spot locked, they move in to the shallows in the cold to spawn. The manatees are either looking for a drink of fresh water or rub barnacles off. Try not to touch the trout with your bare fingers. This takes off the slime on their skin and will leave an “acid” burn on their flesh. Thank you.
Chief do you know who you're actually giving advice to on how to handle a fish?
It’s actually Captain not chief and has been personally for nearly 25 years and 60 years for my family. I meant no disrespect to Mr. Skinner, however, after working so many years with biologists and FWC, it was determined that touching trout with bare hands removes their slime and will leave a hand print. I know Mr. Skinner is a great fisherman. Anyone can tell by watching his videos and listening to him ask questions to gain more knowledge. We just want to protect our wonderful natural recourses here in the great state of Florida.
I think by the amount of fish you caught,that would the right way of doing it.
I love not only the content but also the platform you've created to share info. I agree with most of the comments that sheepshead are tough to spook. Usually if I miss one I go right back to the same spot and often get the fish to strike again. Also to find the crabs, start flipping rocks at low tide. I saw you do that for crabs up north for blackfish. Same thing just maybe 2-3 crab instead of 50. As always check local laws too, here in NC its illegal to kill stone crab and they look almost identical to mud crabs, i have no idea about Florida. And finally, if you read this far down I will reward you. Urchins, thats the secret to big sheepshead. Get some and hang on.
I haven't seen urchins. We have the same stone crab issue here. It's pretty easy to tell the difference. The banded legs on the stone crabs are one of the differences.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing You got it for the crabs. Find some divers down there and see if they can help you find urchins, thats what i do. Occasionally the bait shops will carry them
T.M till you find them..Then anchor up...You can adjust your scope to work different parts of the structure...
Hahahaha I just showed Katy, she wants to swim with manatees. No thanks lol. Nice work on the sheeps. I think next time I'm down I'm going to look for old structures and try for them.
I always use my spotlock on my 16' skiff sheepy fishing boat docks by me (3 hrs N of you).
Not sure if they down there in big numbers but sea urchins on seawalsl as well as hermit crabs make good convict bait 👍.
Dont think you have to worry about the manatee too much, but something like a sea lion i would move away from if they’re around. They can be much more territorial
Used to kayak-fish a lot in the Crystal River/Ozello backwaters and had two hairy encounters with manatees. One I believe was startled when it came up not knowing I was above him, but another was a little aggressive. I got an unnerving ride in both cases but didn’t turtle
There are so many of them a scary encounter seems inevitable.
With all the abuse they take it’s surprising none have gone moby dick
John lived in port charlotte 8 years fish the pine and other areas for the sheep you can fine the mud crabs at low tide like back home around the small piles of rocks by flipping them over like you do in LI. Q if you had to chose one yak would you go with the Old town or the Hobie
Rocks are really hard to find around Pine Island. I keep my eyes open for them all of the time. I'd choose the electric yak.
Just watching the sheepshead get caught made me hungry. And I feel like that flounder you caught is probably embarrassed. He'll probably gain 15lbs and migrate up north so he can redeem himself on one of your future flounder fishing videos.
Sheeps don't spook at all . Nice yak!
Thanks!
Sheepshead are kind of like a bigger dumber Bluegill, they can spook but they forget they spooked and come right back.
I ran over a sleeping manatee in my canoe a number of years ago. It quickly turned into a rodeo and I was barely able to keep the boat upright. My buddy was freaked out because he thought it was an alligator. So the answer to your question is yes they can easily upend you. Occasionally you will encounter manatees mating and see the amount of water they kick up. BTW, I fish from a skiff and a kayak and really enjoy your videos👍
Thanks for the kind words and the manatee story. I spooked one in the glades yesterday, or actually it spooked me.
They love clams too
Manatee was hoping for a handout. Feed 'em big chunks from a head of iceberg lettuce, and they will never leave you alone.
Great content, but.... what's with the pink cooler with flowers??
$6 at a yard sale.
Keep rubbing it in what else do you got too do HA HA great for you
I’ll share a kayak story, I accidentally bumped a manatee years ago on shallow water Grass flats in Tampabay, it Spooked, along with about a dozen others Which created a mini tidal wave which just about flipped me.
Here’s a theory,I used to have a yellow kayak and manatees used to harass me(friendly) All the time. Nowadays I have a dark blue kayak and they never come around anymore,
Maybe they’re attracted Light colors… Tight lines
I like people who keep fish to eat
John, would you mind sharing your technique for what prompts you to set the hook on these fish?
I wait to feel the fish move with it. I don't set on pecks.
I seen at Big Boys bait and tackle in Cape Coral had on their board inside a couple of weeks ago that they carry frozen sand fleas. Located on Pine Island Road.
Thanks. I tried those. Not so good.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing oh really? I was hoping to try them. Guess I won’t now. Thanks for the info.
Lmbo, i think all fisherman look for that one more bait when then know there's no more funny! Maybe it was a slow day, but you caught quality fish. Quality over quantity any day of the week.
your system seems to be working, if it ain't broke don't fix it
John l have found that some manatees are somehow attracted to trolling motors. I don’t have a kayak yet but l hope to find some reds and trout that you did in a previous video.
I’m surprised you’re not running the quantum accurist combo you have from j&h it’s perfect for this style fishing
It's more like tog fishing, and I like spinning gear for that.
Manatees are very smart like dogs. He wanted attention because he knew you weren't a threat. Probably wanted you to pet him, I've seen that before, too.
Love the manatee slickin the moves on the autopilot. obviously the minnkota prop did not frighten it one bit. that was both beautiful and a little scary at the same time.
did you get any mega side scan images of the pilings and all those fish? keep em coming john... thanks for posting.
Lucid fish grips swivel 360 degrees and save your wrist and the fishes mouth from the hard jerking motion of the fish trying to escape.
I don't have side scan on that unit.
When you’re using crabs you’re never going to spook the sheepshead lol or any other fish for that matter fish love crabs and shrimp
Sounds good to me save battery life and anchor up....Fish on
Excellent, what is the name of that inlet with the jetski? place looks awesome.
Is eating Fluke getting old, need to try something different. It seems you have a wide assortment of different species to sample. Sheepshead, from what i've heard they're tasty. Manatee Wow, I've had harbor seals come and check me out, curiosity I'm sure.
i must be terrible at fishing. ive never get to a spot and instantly catch fish. some times i dont even get a bite for hours
Are you willing to share location of the wooden structure you were catching sheephead? And what water depth were you at I am having a terrible time locating fish or it could be I am just a terrible fisherman lol lol ……
The wooden structure looks like the pilings for one of the old fish shacks in the sound….
john, lets see some mangrove snapper vids
You can just tie up to one of the piles
John when you are up north do you ever target cunner/bergal? I live in NH and we are too far north for Tog/blackfish. I assume the fisheries are similar but was wondering what the differences might be. Generally we get them as by catch for cod. (We being me and my fishing buddy.)
I don't because the ones we get are very small.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing we get decent sized ones but the biggest tend to be around 11 inches. Definitely eating size but not huge.
by the looks of your fishing hook ups the sheepshead dont seem to care about your trolling mtr
I’ve seen people feed them by hand in FL, wild manatees pretty crazy l. We have had them come up right next to us when we on SUP paddle boarding fishing.
Well to be honest, there is no such thing as a tame manatee. They are all wild animals.
I have kayak fished directly over them in deeper water...15 - 20+. However, in shallow water....less than 10',..especially when it is clear,.... it is my experience that some of them seem to be more skittish. I wonder if they are more skittish, because there are fewer points of egress for them, they think it is a predator, or from fishing pressure. I seem to have better luck after a rain shower when the water clarity is a little turbid.
Slime wave John slime wave !!!!!
You are far enough outside the structure to use the spot lock
I usually keep it moving around the structure
Don’t keep pulling them to the same spot
Great job what was all those Pilings used file was it a dock
Get underwater footage there that be sick
Really enjoyed it. Being from East Texas, I have no idea where you are at. And I don't know if you will answer this question, If or maybe you can tell me generally where you are at. I am not asking for any specifics, But in case if I decide to drive up there , I sure would like to know some key points where to cast my line in my boat.
SW Florida near Ft Myers.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing thank you
I've got a house on pine island, the matlache bridge is also a great spot for sheepshead