Reef Ball Reef #1 (HE0017)
Artificial reef Hernando County, Florida, Gulf side. 1st of Two Loads, 65 Bay Balls, 19 Pallet Balls, 23 Reef Balls.
What bites on Reef Ball Reef #1
Structure in 25 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 Reef Ball Reef #1
In 25 ft, pay out about 145 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 203 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 Reef Ball Reef #1
Crystal River fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Clearwater fishing report (37 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reef Ball Reef #2 HE0018 | 0.3 mi | ESE | 25 ft |
| Bendickson Reef - Tank #9 HE0012 | 1.9 mi | N | 26 ft |
| Bendickson Reef - Tank #8 HE0007 | 1.9 mi | N | 26 ft |
| Bendickson Reef - Tank #1 HE0015 | 1.9 mi | N | 26 ft |
| Bendickson Reef - Tank #10 HE0010 | 1.9 mi | N | 26 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, and federal rules, since this reef is in federal water. Carry a descending device for reef fish you release.