CSX Reef (OK0013)

Artificial reef Okaloosa County, Florida, Gulf side. 4 Surplus Boxcars.

What bites on CSX Reef

Structure in 80 ft on the Gulf coast usually holds: Red snapper, Gag grouper, Red grouper, Mangrove snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjack. 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 CSX Reef

In 80 ft, pay out about 420 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 588 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 CSX Reef

Destin fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Pensacola fishing report (33 mi).

Nearby reefs

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.