Buddy Ward I (FR0087)
Artificial reef Franklin County, Florida, Gulf side. 16 Prefabricated modules (16 tetrahedrons, 8'), NRDA.
What bites on Buddy Ward I
Structure in 43 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 Buddy Ward I
In 43 ft, pay out about 235 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 329 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 Buddy Ward I
Apalachicola fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Panama City Beach fishing report (70 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddy Ward Reef E FR0073 | 0.3 mi | N | 43 ft |
| Mike Johnston Memorial Reef FR0081 | 0.4 mi | NE | 38 ft |
| Buddy Ward Reef A FR0069 | 0.5 mi | N | 43 ft |
| Rocky Burrous Reef FR0080 | 0.6 mi | ENE | 38 ft |
| Buddy Ward Reef B FR0070 | 0.6 mi | NNE | 43 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.