Venice Reef Site, I-4 (ST0016)
Artificial reef Sarasota County, Florida, Gulf side. Concrete Culverts.
What bites on Venice Reef Site, I-4
Structure in 28 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 Venice Reef Site, I-4
In 28 ft, pay out about 160 ft of rode at 5:1 in calm water, or 224 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 Venice Reef Site, I-4
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: Boca Grande fishing report (26 mi).
Nearby reefs
| Reef | Distance | Heading | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice Reef Site ST0010 | 1.7 mi | NNW | 28 ft |
| Robert's Bay Revitalization Initiative #6 ST0243 | 2.0 mi | NNE | 4 ft |
| Robert's Bay Revitalization Initiative #1 ST0238 | 2.1 mi | N | 4 ft |
| Robert's Bay Revitalization Initiative #4 ST0241 | 2.1 mi | N | 3 ft |
| Robert's Bay Revitalization Initiative #3 ST0240 | 2.1 mi | N | 4 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.