Big Carlos Bridge (LE0138)

Artificial reef Lee County, Florida, Gulf side. 497 tons of secondary-use concrete bridge materials from Big Carlos Pass bridge (71 concrete pilings 14" X 14" X 30', 45 concrete pilings 20" X 20" X 20' to 30' lengths).

What bites on Big Carlos Bridge

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 Big Carlos Bridge

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 Big Carlos Bridge

Fort Myers and Sanibel fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Naples fishing report (19 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.