Hey there, fishing fans! It’s Jameson Redding from Road Trip Angler. Today, I’m taking you on a journey through one of our latest adventures right in the heart of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where my good buddy Brooks “Big Bites” Beatty and I went head-to-head with some of the toughest fish in these waters—Sheepshead! We are taking the Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16, so if you are interested in learning more about this inflatable boat, check out the review.
I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!
The Start of an Epic Day
Wrightsville Beach is one of those places that just sticks with you. The coastal town is not only gorgeous but offers a variety of fishing opportunities. For this trip, we decided to target Sheepshead, a fish known for both its fight and its flavor. The day started with a quick stop to gather some live bait—mud crabs to be exact. These little guys might be tiny, but they pack a mean pinch, and trust me, you don’t want to be on the wrong end of one!
Brooks and I ventured out in the Sea Eagle Fish Skiff 16, an incredibly versatile and stable inflatable that allowed us to get super shallow and access areas most boats can't reach. It's lightweight, easy to store, and can be powered by a small electric motor. It was the perfect setup for the day ahead.
Sheepshead Tactics
Fishing for Sheepshead is a game of precision and patience. These fish are often found around docks and pilings, where they feed on crustaceans like crabs. The technique involves “pitching,” where you swing your bait out and let it drop under the docks. It's similar to flipping a jig while bass fishing, but with the added challenge of navigating through the tight quarters around the dock structures.
We were using 30 lb fluorocarbon leaders, which are essential when you’re fighting these brutes around barnacle-covered pilings. And let me tell you, when they bite, you’ve got to be quick to set the hook and even quicker to get them out of there before they break you off!
The Battle Begins
As the tide dropped, revealing the barnacle-encrusted pilings, we knew we were in the right spot. It didn’t take long before we started getting bites. Brooks was on fire, hooking into some of the biggest Sheepshead I’ve ever seen! The man truly lives up to his nickname, “Big Bites.”
While I might have been catching the smaller fish, it was hard not to be impressed watching Brooks battle with these giants. The first fish he landed was an absolute stud, and my heart was racing just watching him fight it. These Sheepshead are no joke—they hit hard, fight dirty, and have a knack for getting into the roughest structure they can find.
A Friendly Rivalry
Now, I’m not going to lie—there’s a bit of a competitive streak in me, especially when it comes to fishing. But if anyone’s going to outfish me, I’m glad it’s my good friend Brooks. Still, I couldn't help but want to land one of those big ones myself. But as the day wore on, it became clear that Brooks was the star of the show.
There’s something special about sharing these moments with friends, even if they’re the ones catching all the big fish! At the end of the day, it's all about the experience—the laughter, the excitement, and the joy of being out on the water.
A Lesson in Safety
One of the things that really stood out during this trip was the importance of wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). In the kayak community, it’s a no-brainer, but in the boating world, you don’t see it as much. We were wearing NRS inflatables, which are lightweight and comfortable. It’s crucial to stay safe out there, and I encourage everyone to make wearing a PFD a habit.
Wrapping Up the Season
This episode marked the end of our season, and what a way to close it out! Brooks had to head back to work, but not before leaving us with some fresh fish for dinner. My family was coming into town, and we were all set to enjoy a feast, thanks to Brooks’ hard work. Even though I didn’t land the big one, just being out there and soaking in the beauty of Wrightsville Beach was enough for me.
So, here’s to another fantastic season of Road Trip Angler. If you enjoyed this adventure, be sure to subscribe, stay safe out there, and always wear your life jacket. Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!
I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!
Tight lines,
Jameson Redding, Road Trip Angler
