John Thompson Reef (BA0273)
Artificial reef Bay County, Florida, Gulf side. 3 Walter 5 Disks Ecosystem Reefs on Pilings.
What bites on John Thompson Reef
Structure in 22 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 John Thompson Reef
In 22 ft, pay out about 130 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 182 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 John Thompson 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 (31 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Thompson Memorial Reef BA0246 | 13 yd | NW | 22 ft |
| MB 222 Unnamed BA0358 | 0.2 mi | W | 25 ft |
| MB 221 BA0423 | 0.3 mi | NNW | 23 ft |
| MB 221 BA0356 | 0.3 mi | NNW | 23 ft |
| John & Darlene Cox Memorial Reef BA0257 | 0.3 mi | ENE | 22 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.