Billie & Jack Smith Reef (BA0132)
Artificial reef Bay County, Florida, Gulf side. 6 Reefballs Funded and Deployed by MBARA.
What bites on Billie & Jack Smith Reef
Structure in 20 ft on the Gulf coast usually holds: Sheepshead, Mangrove snapper, Gag grouper, Spanish mackerel, Flounder. What is actually biting changes with the season, water temperature and tide — the day's plan for this reef has the bite window and what to target that day.
Anchoring on Billie & Jack Smith Reef
In 20 ft, pay out about 120 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 168 ft at 7:1 when it's blowing. Drop the anchor up-drift of the structure by about the same distance and fall back onto it. Before you drop, kill the engine for 60 seconds and watch your GPS track — that's your real drift, and it beats any forecast.
Today's fishing report near Billie & Jack Smith Reef
Panama City Beach fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Apalachicola fishing report (32 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| MB 15 BA0410 | 23 yd | SE | 23 ft |
| Billie & Jack Smith Reef BA0351 | 23 yd | SE | 24 ft |
| Mike Trombley Reef BA0353 | 0.2 mi | SE | 24 ft |
| MB 13 BA0415 | 0.2 mi | SE | 23 ft |
| MB 219 BA0411 | 0.2 mi | NE | 21 ft |
Before you go
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change — check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules for the day you fish. Carry a descending device for reef fish you release.