Belcher Barge (DA0012)
Artificial reef Miami-Dade County, Florida, Atlantic side. 85' Steel Barge, the "Belcher Barge".
What bites on Belcher Barge
Structure in 120 ft on the South Florida reef tract usually holds: Black grouper, Mutton snapper, Amberjack, Vermilion snapper, Kingfish on the troll. 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 Belcher Barge
In 120 ft, pay out about 620 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 868 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 Belcher Barge
Miami fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Key Largo fishing report (30 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almirante DA0011 | 0.2 mi | NNE | 125 ft |
| Scott Mason-Chaite DA0126 | 1.9 mi | S | 240 ft |
| Santa Rita DA0015 | 2.4 mi | SE | 245 ft |
| Berry Patch DA0079 | 3.1 mi | SSW | 150 ft |
| Jet Fighters DA0105 | 3.2 mi | S | 80 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.