Sheepshead in Alabama
Where to catch sheepshead in Alabama, and what to keep.
- 8 a daycreel
- 16 lbs. 6.6 ozs.record
Pick for sheepsheadPiscifun Alloy S inshore spinning reelCheck price at PiscifunPhoto of the species, not an Alabama water: Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Louisiana State University, CC BY 2.0
sheepshead and the ADCNR rules
Look up "Sheepshead" in the saltwater limits to find the rule for sheepshead. Its terms are 8 per person; 12" min. fl with the season state waters.
In 2022, Kendale M. Jeans landed the record 16 lbs. 6.6 ozs. at a water ADCNR does not print.
For the sheepshead herePiscifun NautiX saltwater spinning reel14% OFFSale $94.99 sheepshead in the 2026-27 Alabama limits
| Row as printed | Waters | Creel and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheepshead | Alabama state waters | 8 per person; 12" min. FL | state waters |
Limits as printed by the ADCNR Marine Resources Division recreational size, creel and possession limits for state waters (MRD limits page), read November 1, 2026.
Heaviest sheepshead recorded in Alabama
| List | Weight | Angler | Water | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | 16 lbs. 6.6 ozs. | Kendale M. Jeans | Alabama waters (no water printed) | March 18, 2022 |
ADCNR (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for freshwater; Marine Resources Division State Record Fish Committee for saltwater); freshwater list, saltwater list, read November 1, 2026.
Pine ridges, bluffs and water near Sheepshead, photographed
Photo: Erin Kinney, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: benuski, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Erin Brierley, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jeff Hudgins / Alabama, CC BY 2.0
Chasing sheepshead in Alabama, questions answered
How many sheepshead may I keep in Alabama?
ADCNR prints 8 per person; 12" min. FL; state waters.
How heavy is the Alabama sheepshead record?
16 lbs. 6.6 ozs. from a water not printed in 2022, angler Kendale M. Jeans.
What Alabama lake or bay is good for sheepshead?
No page here links it to a water yet.
Does Alabama have sheepshead exceptions?
The exceptions leave it alone.
Is sheepshead open now in Alabama?
The row gives state waters.
Is one license enough for sheepshead?
Saltwater anglers 16 and older carry an Alabama saltwater license ($30.90 resident, $66.80 nonresident for 2026-27), plus the $10 Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement to keep reef fish such as red snapper.
How do I claim an Alabama sheepshead record?
Saltwater records are judged by the MRD State Record Fish Committee.
Is sheepshead a game fish in Alabama?
Listed names: Sheepshead.
Head out after sheepshead in Alabama
Choose one of the waters above to plan the day.