MOTE Reef (Bay) (ST0084)
Artificial reef Sarasota County, Florida, Gulf side. 40 Bay Balls and 6 PVC Modules - Mote Design.
What bites on MOTE Reef (Bay)
Structure in 15 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 MOTE Reef (Bay)
In 15 ft, pay out about 95 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 133 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 MOTE Reef (Bay)
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 (29 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTE Reef (Bay) ST0086 | 28 yd | NW | 14 ft |
| Gerkin (Bay) ST0077 | 65 yd | NE | 12 ft |
| MOTE Reef (Bay) ST0088 | 80 yd | ENE | 15 ft |
| Saprito Pier (Bay) ST0076 | 0.4 mi | S | 10 ft |
| Evans (#6) (Bay) ST0033 | 0.8 mi | S | 10 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. Carry a descending device for reef fish you release.