Bay Snapper = Sheepshead

Never heard that but im using it for when im around the cloth napkin types.

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They confirmed it was sheepshead. This a common name

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It wasn’t until recently. Now you can flip through FB and all kinds of guides with dock shots of “baysnapper” . Ten years ago a guide wouldn’t put them on their boat.

The absolutely best Sheepshead dish I've ever eaten...

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IDK why they think more people would order Bay Snapper than Sheepshead

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Most people from out of town have no idea what a sheepshead is and doesn't sound like a fish. However, almost everyone has heard of a "snapper" and it's a commonly served restaurant fish. They don't know the difference between various real "snapper" and some made up term. Sheepshead are pretty ugly when an unsuspecting person googles them too...


Had heard the name for years, but hadn't seen it on a restaurant menu. Not surprised though.

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This a common name?

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I’ve heard and seen it used before. Sheephead used to be viewed as trash fish but more recently promoted as prized table fare. A restaurant should call the fish what it is instead of jazzing it up with some different name.

It was at TBT…so I’m sure they hammered them and just threw it on the special board for this weekend. I pretty much only eat off their special board, so it’s nice to see new things on it.

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Bay Snapper

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Coastal version of a Lot Lizard.

Personally I think whole baked Sheepshead (12"-18" lg) is some of the best eating you can have from the gulf.

Tender meat and as white as fresh snow. Sprinkle a little lemon juice and Tony's or Swamp Dust on there and you're set.

Gotta bake it whole thought or you'll be fighting bones to much.

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This a common name?

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It's been around for a while. Some dummies used to think sheepshead was a trash fish. Yes, people routinely threw them back when I was growing up, but that's bc they didn't know how to clean them efficiently. They can be a real PITA to clean if you don't know what you're doing. So people who didn't know better just assumed they weren't good eating.

Restaurants called them bay snapper to get around the false stigma.

These days I think most people know that sheepshead is delicious. (I like them better than trout.) So they aren't widely been called bay snapper as much anymore. I always respected that Commander's proudly advertised sheepshead on their menu.

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just go around the ribs. Takes no time and way easier

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It’s like fileting a big big bream.
When I was a kid we would make a meat hual a few times a year around this time of the year to the close rigs in Venice and laid the boat with them. My pawpaw would make fake crab meat for stuffed crabs and bell peppers and boil them for the best “tuna” salad you have ever had.
They are very good table fare but the pound of edible meat per pound of fish handled is low!!