Howard Franklin Site (Bay) (HI0008)
Artificial reef Hillsborough County, Florida, Gulf side. 400 X 200 Yards. of Bridge Rubble And Pilings.
What bites on Howard Franklin Site (Bay)
Structure in 16 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 Howard Franklin Site (Bay)
In 16 ft, pay out about 100 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 140 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 Howard Franklin Site (Bay)
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 (17 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Tampa Reef (Bay) #6 HI0048 | 3.4 mi | S | 21 ft |
| Port Tampa Reef (Bay) HI0053 | 3.4 mi | S | 24 ft |
| Port Tampa Reef (Bay) HI0049 | 3.4 mi | S | 21 ft |
| Chamberlain High School (Bay) HI0010 | 3.5 mi | S | 19 ft |
| Port Tampa Site (Bay) HI0001 | 3.5 mi | S | 24 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.