Hoyt Vandenberg (MO0062)
Artificial reef Monroe County, Florida, Atlantic side. 522' Former Missile Tracking Ship, the "Hoyt Vandenberg".
What bites on Hoyt Vandenberg
Structure in 145 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 Hoyt Vandenberg
In 145 ft, pay out about 745 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 1043 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 Hoyt Vandenberg
Key West fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Marathon fishing report (44 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe's Tug MO0053 | 0.3 mi | NNW | 65 ft |
| Cayman Salvage Master MO0024 | 1.9 mi | WSW | 92 ft |
| Key West Tournament Reef MO0020 | 2.2 mi | W | 184 ft |
| Key West Tournament Reef MO0018 | 2.2 mi | W | 180 ft |
| USS Curb MO0016 | 2.6 mi | SW | 185 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.