Port Manatee Reef (Bay) (HI0058)

Artificial reef Hillsborough County, Florida, Gulf side. Concrete Bridge Decking, Railings & Rubble From Treasure Island Causeway, Load #8.

What bites on Port Manatee Reef (Bay)

Structure in 21 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 Port Manatee Reef (Bay)

In 21 ft, pay out about 125 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 175 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 Port Manatee Reef (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: Sarasota fishing report (23 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.