3 Mile South Reef, Site D (ME0020)
Artificial reef Manatee County, Florida, Gulf side. Third of 4 Drops, Second This Day.
What bites on 3 Mile South Reef, Site D
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 3 Mile South Reef, Site D
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 3 Mile South Reef, Site D
Sarasota fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Tampa Bay fishing report (23 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| South 3 Mile Reef ME0016 | 51 yd | SW | 30 ft |
| South 3 Mile Reef ME0013 | 52 yd | SW | 30 ft |
| South 3 Mile Reef ME0018 | 54 yd | SW | 30 ft |
| South 3 Mile Reef ME0015 | 58 yd | SW | 30 ft |
| South 3 Mile Reef ME0017 | 89 yd | NNW | 30 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.