DEEP STIM III (OK0391)
Artificial reef Okaloosa County, Florida, Gulf side. 236' x 44' x 65' Steel seismic research vessel, the "DEEP STIM III" with 30 concrete modules attached (7 FLARs, 3 WADs, 20 eco disks).
What bites on DEEP STIM III
Structure in 135 ft on the Gulf coast usually holds: Red snapper, Red grouper, Vermilion snapper, Amberjack, Scamp. 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 DEEP STIM III
In 135 ft, pay out about 695 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 973 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 DEEP STIM III
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: Panama City Beach fishing report (31 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP FLAP No Name Reef OK0047 | 0.7 mi | NW | 140 ft |
| M/V Prewitt OK0066 | 1.0 mi | NW | 132 ft |
| DEP FLAP No Name Reef OK0045 | 1.7 mi | W | 140 ft |
| M/V NEKTON PILOT OK0547 | 1.8 mi | NNW | 130 ft |
| DEP FLAP No Name Reef OK0046 | 2.1 mi | WNW | 140 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.