Johnson Reef, M-7 Site (ST0004)
Artificial reef Sarasota County, Florida, Gulf side. All 10 In A Group, Only 1 End Wall Still Standing, Lots of Ledge Habitat.
What bites on Johnson Reef, M-7 Site
Structure in 50 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 Johnson Reef, M-7 Site
In 50 ft, pay out about 270 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 378 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 Johnson Reef, M-7 Site
Sarasota 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 (35 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Reef, M-7 Site ST0058 | 0 yd | E | 50 ft |
| Johnson Reef, M-7 Site ST0059 | 4 yd | N | 50 ft |
| Bob Johnson ST0022 | 0.2 mi | SSW | 65 ft |
| Genesis Center Reef ST0200 | 2.7 mi | ESE | 43 ft |
| Genesis Center Reef ST0198 | 2.7 mi | ESE | 43 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.