Helens Barges (LE0070)
Artificial reef Lee County, Florida, Gulf side. 2 Steel Barges.
What bites on Helens Barges
Structure in 30 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 Helens Barges
In 30 ft, pay out about 170 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 238 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 Helens Barges
Boca Grande fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Fort Myers and Sanibel fishing report (20 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helens Reef LE0009 | 0.1 mi | NE | 30 ft |
| Boca Grande Reef CH0002 | 0.3 mi | NNE | 0 ft |
| Redfish Pass Reef LE0011 | 5.8 mi | SSE | 24 ft |
| Redfish Pass Reef LE0012 | 5.8 mi | SSE | 26 ft |
| Power Pole Reef LE0015 | 6.5 mi | WNW | 45 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.