Bahia Beach Reef (Bay), Reef#5 (HI0073)

Artificial reef Hillsborough County, Florida, Gulf side. Concrete Bridge Decking, Railings & Rubble From Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, Drop#5.

What bites on Bahia Beach Reef (Bay), Reef#5

Structure in 19 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 Bahia Beach Reef (Bay), Reef#5

In 19 ft, pay out about 115 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 161 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 Bahia Beach Reef (Bay), Reef#5

Tampa Bay 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 (25 mi).

Nearby reefs

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.