The Bulkhead Reef,04-12 (ME0070)
Artificial reef Manatee County, Florida, Gulf side. Bay, Mini.Lo-Pro And Table Top Balls.
What bites on The Bulkhead Reef,04-12
Structure in 15 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 The Bulkhead Reef,04-12
In 15 ft, pay out about 95 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 133 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 The Bulkhead Reef,04-12
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: Sarasota fishing report (18 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Tampa Bay Bridge Reef ME0087 | 2.0 mi | E | 15 ft |
| Southeast Tampa Bay, Site 01-07 Reefballs ME0082 | 2.1 mi | E | 15 ft |
| Southeast Tampa, 04-12 ME0072 | 2.1 mi | E | 14 ft |
| Egmont Key Reef (Bay),#25 HI0043 | 3.0 mi | NW | 18 ft |
| Egmont Key Reef (Bay), #10 HI0027 | 3.1 mi | NW | 18 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.