Patch Reef #3 (MO0065)
Artificial reef Monroe County, Florida, Gulf side. Stacked concrete power poles, 3 layers (13 poles, 55' x 2' x 2', 4 poles, 30' x 1' x 1', 3 poles, 40' x 1.5' x 1.5').
What bites on Patch Reef #3
Structure in 45 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 Patch Reef #3
In 45 ft, pay out about 245 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 343 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 Patch Reef #3
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 (40 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch Reef #2 MO0064 | 137 yd | NW | 45 ft |
| Patch Reef #1 MO0063 | 0.2 mi | NW | 45 ft |
| Gunbor Reef MO0027 | 5.2 mi | WNW | 52 ft |
| Key West Gulfside Reef #1 MO0015 | 17.2 mi | SW | 32 ft |
| Key West Gulfside Reef #5 MO0039 | 17.2 mi | SW | 32 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.