Ernst Reef (MI0009)
Artificial reef Martin County, Florida, Atlantic side. North Barge.
What bites on Ernst Reef
Structure in 71 ft on the South Florida reef tract usually holds: Mutton snapper, Yellowtail snapper, Mangrove snapper, Black grouper, Amberjack, Cobia. 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 Ernst Reef
In 71 ft, pay out about 375 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 525 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 Ernst Reef
Stuart fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Jupiter fishing report (15 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernst Reef MI0011 | 85 yd | E | 72 ft |
| Evans Crary Bridge Pile MI0117 | 141 yd | SW | 75 ft |
| Ernst Reef MI0012 | 0.1 mi | SE | 71 ft |
| Grand Teton Reef MI0069 | 0.4 mi | NNW | 62 ft |
| Mango's 700 Reef MI0068 | 0.5 mi | NW | 61 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, and federal rules, since this reef is in federal water. Carry a descending device for reef fish you release.