Sand Key Nourishment Reef, IMR#1-3 (PI0405)

Artificial reef Pinellas County, Florida, Gulf side. 22 Tons of Concrete Culverts Various Sizes.

What bites on Sand Key Nourishment Reef, IMR#1-3

Structure in 16 ft on the Gulf coast usually holds: Sheepshead, Mangrove snapper, Gag grouper, Spanish mackerel, Flounder. 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 Sand Key Nourishment Reef, IMR#1-3

In 16 ft, pay out about 100 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 140 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 Sand Key Nourishment Reef, IMR#1-3

Clearwater fishing report — today: tides, wind, seas, water temperature and the GO / NO-GO call for inshore and offshore, updated through the day. Also nearby: Tampa Bay fishing report (16 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.