Fish tight to the pier pilings with live fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/0 hook with a short 18-inch fluorocarbon leader. Use just enough weight to hold bottom. They hit light — set the hook on the second tap, not the first.

1/0 hook, 15 lb fluoro, small piece of shrimp or fiddler crab. Drop right against the barnacle-covered riprap. They hit light — you'll feel a barely perceptible tick. Short-stroke the hookset, don't swing for the fences.

Live shrimp or fiddler crab on a 1/0 hook with 15 lb fluoro and a small split shot. Drop straight down next to the pilings. Sheepshead hit like they're nibbling — feel for the lightest tap, then short-stroke the hookset upward.

Live shrimp or fiddler crab on a 1/0 hook with 15 lb fluoro leader and a small split shot. Drop straight to the base of the concrete pilings. Keep line tight and feel for the lightest tap. Sheepshead have hard mouths — use sharp hooks and short-stroke the hookset. Sheepshead are here 12 months a year. The most reliable bite on the pier.

Live shrimp or fiddler crab on a 1/0 hook with 15 lb fluoro and a split shot. Drop right against the barnacle-covered pilings. The most consistent bite on the pier year-round. When nothing else is working, sheepshead will eat.

Live fiddler crab or shrimp on a 1/0 hook with 15 lb fluoro and a split shot. Drop right against the pilings. January-March is peak season. They hit like they're nibbling — feel for the lightest tick and short-stroke the hookset upward. Sharp hooks are critical.

Live fiddler crab or large shrimp on a 1/0 hook with 20 lb fluoro and enough weight to hold bottom against the current. Drop right against the barnacle-covered jetty rocks. Short-stroke the hookset — sheepshead have hard, crushing mouths. The most reliable bite on the jetty year-round.