(Carchosargus probatocephalus)

No stranger to shallow soft bottom flats where we normally see redfish, the sheepshead, colloquially know as the "Cajun permit", may even be harder to catch on a fly than the permit…maybe. Though sometimes persnickety about flies, I have had them fight over a good presentation. Seem to be more likely to show up shallow in the spring. Once hooked they are dynamite action on a six or eight weight. Primarily hangs out around pilings, bridges, rocks and the like. Not usually targeted by panhandle flyfishermen but accepted as a real bonus on a fly. Very good to eat. Common up to about five pounds and the occasional fish up to ten is not that uncommon in North Florida.