Earl Nichols Reef (BA0278)
Artificial reef Bay County, Florida, Gulf side. 1 Florida Limestone Module.
What bites on Earl Nichols Reef
Structure in 58 ft on the Gulf coast usually holds: Red snapper, Gag grouper, Red grouper, Mangrove snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjack. 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 Earl Nichols Reef
In 58 ft, pay out about 310 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 434 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 Earl Nichols 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 (35 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole's Reef BA0277 | 0.1 mi | W | 59 ft |
| Mexico Beach Site GU0008 | 0.2 mi | ESE | 55 ft |
| Mexico Beach Site GU0002 | 0.2 mi | ESE | 54 ft |
| MB-22 BA0562 | 0.2 mi | NE | 59 ft |
| Ginger's Reef BA0279 | 0.2 mi | NNW | 58 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.