NRDA WM-LA-17 (OK0494)
Artificial reef Okaloosa County, Florida, Gulf side. 2 Prefabricated modules (2 tetrahedrons, 8').
What bites on NRDA WM-LA-17
Structure in 148 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 NRDA WM-LA-17
In 148 ft, pay out about 760 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 1064 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 NRDA WM-LA-17
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 (35 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRDA WM-LA-16 OK0470 | 0.6 mi | S | 153 ft |
| LA-2025-03 OK0541 | 0.7 mi | NNW | 144 ft |
| LA-2025-01 OK0539 | 0.9 mi | W | 153 ft |
| DEP FLAP No Name Reef OK0044 | 0.9 mi | NE | 140 ft |
| LA-2 OK0338 | 1.1 mi | NW | 150 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.