Near Shore Reef (ME0012)
Artificial reef Manatee County, Florida, Gulf side. Skyway Bridge Materials.
What bites on Near Shore Reef
Structure in 16 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 Near Shore Reef
In 16 ft, pay out about 100 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 140 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 Near Shore Reef
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 (22 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Florida Limestonebeach Reef South ME0085 | 0.1 mi | NNW | 17 ft |
| 2011 Florida Limestonebeach Reef North ME0084 | 0.2 mi | NNW | 17 ft |
| 3 Mile Reef South ME0004 | 3.0 mi | W | 25 ft |
| 3 Mile Reef South ME0010 | 3.0 mi | W | 30 ft |
| 3 Mile Reef South (D Reef) ME0008 | 3.0 mi | W | 25 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.