Port Tampa Reef (Bay) (HI0053)
Artificial reef Hillsborough County, Florida, Gulf side. Chamberlain High School Modules Project.
What bites on Port Tampa Reef (Bay)
Structure in 24 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 Tampa Reef (Bay)
In 24 ft, pay out about 140 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 196 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 Tampa 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: Clearwater fishing report (18 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Tampa Reef (Bay) HI0049 | 20 yd | S | 21 ft |
| Port Tampa Reef (Bay) #6 HI0048 | 44 yd | NNE | 21 ft |
| Chamberlain High School (Bay) HI0010 | 122 yd | S | 19 ft |
| Port Tampa Site (Bay) HI0001 | 141 yd | SSW | 24 ft |
| Chief Reef (Bay) HI0012 | 159 yd | 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.