Fishing the patch reefs

The patch reefs offer calmer water on these windy days and the end result is a. The mutton snapper bite has been good around the nearshore rock piles. The outer reefs in the florida keys act like the great barrier reef sheltering the inner reefs from the full force of ocean conditions. We will be fishing the sandy rocky, and grassy patch bottom of the atlantic ocean from 1 to 5 miles offshore. Also included in the show notes is a strike line charts under 3d sonar image of some good patch reef fishing spots off key largo. Patch reefs are isolated, relatively small growths of coral that typically occur on the bottoms of nearshore shallows around key west. Grunts, silver porgies, hogfish, groupers, mangrove and mutton snappers are just a few of the many species of fish to be found on patch reefs. Key largo florida fishing for patch reef snapper fun for kids duration. Patch reef definition of patch reef by merriamwebster. The shallow patch reefs of the coffins patch sanctuary preservation area spa, located approximately four nautical miles off key colony beach, offer some of the best snorkeling in the middle keys. These are little areas usually a mile or two offshore on the atlantic side that hold small coral heads, sea fans, and reeflike structures.

Nested pipes donated by hanson were placed at some of the other vmrc reefs, and possibly this approach may have been used here as well. Florida keys reef and wreck fishing will present you with the ultimate of sportfishing challenges. For fishing the patch reefs off my home in miami, i find this boat to be ideal for the methods i use and fish i target. Just looking for some atlantic patch reef fishing tips that would be easy to have the ladies enjoy. Florida keys patch reef fishing is a local term for fishing shallow water reefs, rock piles, coral heads and small ship wrecks inside the florida.

The first decision you need to make is what is your targeted species. Nov 28, 2014 during the warmer months they are usually overlooked and are only a source of bait for other species but in the winter they become a wealth of great bites and some pretty good catches on a day when most other areas are inaccessible. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys fishing trips. Tips on fishing floridas inshore patch reefs outdoors guy. Light tackle, small reefs, but big fun and lots of. Florida keys patch reef fishing is a local term for fishing shallow water reefs, rock piles, coral heads and small ship wrecks inside the florida keys reef in 1040ft of water. The winter and early spring provide excellent patch reef fishing. Black, gag and nassau grouper, a variety of snapper, including mutton and yellowtail, porgies, and hogfish are all good to eat, fun to catch and live on the patch reefs. With our winter season finally hitting i didnt have to run the airconditioner, i figured it was time to hit the patch reefs and see if the main reef species had moved in closer. The tackle i prefer to use while fishing in the shallow waters of the patch reef is light spinning tackle in the 10 to 20 pound class.

It lies a few miles seaward of the florida keys, is about 4 miles 6 to 7 km wide and. Our files contain artificial and natural reefs, buoys, ledges, rocks, shipwrecks, and many other types of structures that hold fish, in a 100 miles radius of marathon. Theyll take you out to the open water to the deeper wrecks and the key largo hump. Fishing in patch reefs for snapper and grouper salt. Key west reef fishing key west reef and wreck fishing. One of the best parts about fishing the inshore waters of south florida is the incredible system of patch reefs which hold an amazing array of species, and the best part is that you rarely have any competition for these areas. Patch reef fishing offers an alternative on rough and windy days. Save money by fising from our 24ft bay boats and have a great day on the water with a fun freindly crew. Youll be bottom fishing in calm, sheltered water 10 feet to 30 feet deep for snapper, grouper, yellowtail, hogfish, porgies, grunts, jacks, mackerel and barracuda, to name just a few of the almost 600 species found on the reef. Youll be fishing anywhere from 20 feet of water on the patch reefs out to a little over 100 feet for big yellowtail and other snapper and grouper. Snorkel fishing charters bamboo charters docks their boats in islamorada, this location puts you in prime territory for both great fishing and snorkeling.

The backcountry fishing has been good, when the weather has been warm enough there have been some bonefish around. It is the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world after the great barrier reef and belize barrier reef. How to catch fish on the key largo patch reefs catch n. Numerous patch reefs are located within 20 minutes of the club. The concrete pipes dropped here were donated by hanson pipe company in 2001.

Patch reefs are isolated coral heads inside the reef, which are very abundant in numbers and hold fish very well. Fishing the many different patch reefs that average 20 feet or so in depth is fantastic. Closest to the keys is a sand ridge called white bank, covered by large beds of sea grass, with patch reefs scattered across it. The same patch reefs and huge coral reef tracts that make great fishing are also the same reef systems that people come from around the world to see. An artificial or natural reef that attracts fish can be found here. Florida keys fishing spots with over 500 fishing spots with gps coordinates for inshore patch reef fishing and offshore fishing spots in the florida keys from key largo, islamorada, marathon, big pine key, key west and all keys locations for reef fishing, bottom fishing and trolling. Although i like the lighter tackle, the variety of species and sizes fishing the patch reefs makes me lean to the heavier side. Because patch reefs are typically a part of larger reef systems, they are not recorded as individual reefs. Do not fish in, or boat through this particular protected area until you know the rules and regulations so, if you get a chance to fish any of these seamounts, florida keys fishing humps, take the day off and go. Long key reefs bridge spans and concrete, 24 deep gps coordinates. Constructed in october 2000, this square reef site is located 5. If you want lots of action, a variety of fish, in a variety of sizes and meat for the table, then reef and wreck fishing is for you.

Spas have mooring buoys for boaters to use in order to prevent anchor damage to corals. Florida keys hogfish fishing is mostly done on the shallow patch reefs off of islamorada and the rest of the florida keys. Many of the offshore and deeper wreck spots are too rough to fish. I love fishing the patch reefs here in the florida keys, they always seem to hold some great action and can produce some great fish. Thanks for watching this fishing video on how to catch fish on the key largo patch reefs. With miles and miles of coral reefs and proximity to the gulf stream, the fishing opportunities are endless. Chesapeake bay virginia marine resources commission.

The patch reefs offer awesome light tackle fishing in the winter months. Fisherman and divers travel from all over the world to experience this gorgeous coral reef. This is where you get into water that is 300 deep or more. Patch reefs the place to be on windy days fl keys news. The locations below are primarily artificial reefs and shipwrecks. During the warmer months they are usually overlooked and are only a source of bait for other species but in the winter they become a wealth of great bites and some pretty good catches on a day when most other areas are inaccessible. The inshore waters and reefs along fort lauderdale, miami and all points south are great areas to enjoy inshore fishing for snapper, mackerel, grouper and many. I included detailed patch reef fishing tackle and fishing tips. You can fish to the north on the key largo patch reefs, or just 3 miles offshore at the islamorada reefs or travel south to the marathon reefs. The fishing off of the florida keys can be amazing. This vibrant coral reef system is considered the backbone of all life in the florida keys.

A good option for days when we cannot travel outside the reef due to unfavorable sea conditions is to fish inside of the reefs. Reef fishing charters in marathon, florida keys coral. Leaving from any dock, you dont need to go far to find a reef or wreck. Patch reefs are small coral reef formations inside of the main barrier reef. Capt blair wiggins travels to key largo florida to go fishing the patch reefs for snapper with capt tadd vandemark. How to fish the patch reefs in the winter bullbuster. By choosing a targeted species you have to have the correct bait, tackle and look for the right kind of patch for the species your fishing for. Light tackle, small reefs, but big fun and lots of action. Join the crew as we hit up a bunch of high bottom spots from 30 ft. How to catch fish on the key largo patch reefs catch n cook.

Patch reefs the place to be on windy days fl keys news submit. Usually, patch reefs occur within the lagoon behind the barrier or atoll rim and are found in 1020 feet of water. This fishing spot was added to the database on 2242016 4. Fishing the reefs off marathon in the keys florida sportsman. East washerwoman shoal and other patch reefs in hawk. Extending from key biscayne all the way south to the northern most florida keys, anglers can expect a variety of species while patch reef fishing in miami. East washerwoman shoal and other patch reefs in hawk channel. Keys patch reefs and wrecks produce a wide variety of species, including this big african pompano. So strap yourself in, and prepare for one heck of a thrilling ride sport fishing florida keys.

Mar 21, 2012 keys patch reefs and wrecks produce a wide variety of species, including this big african pompano. Click on a location on the map to see its description and coordinates, or scroll down to the list to see all the details. The artificial reefs database is sorted by deployment date, if available. These locations are quite common in the caribbean islands and the bahamas, as well as bermuda, and the pacific islands. Reef fishing in the keys presents all sorts of opportunities. Fishing on the coral reefs in the keys is done by anchoring the boat over specific marked spots and chumming up the fish to the back of the boat. Fishing patch reefs are a good way to start out fishing in the keys,and learn the techniques of florida keys fishing. The depth field is the depth of water in feet to the bottom in reef area, while relief is the height that the materials rise above the bottom in feet, if available.

This is a great beginning for kids and the firsttime angler. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys fishing. Fish patch reefs in cold weather florida keys weekly. Once all the fish are eating in the chum line anglers will take their live or cut bait and. There has been a lot of bait inshore and i have been catching all the macs in the channels, so figured things would be good. Charter fishing the reefs off of marathon in the florida keys is nothing but a hop, skip, and a jump from land. Fishing the patch reefs and inshore rock piles in the lower florida keys. Patch reef fishing in miami double threat charters. These small patch reefs are a refuge for small fish, which in.

Fishing the patch reefs along the south florida coast and the keys means bottom fishing with knocker rigs. For some of the easiest, surefire fishing to be had in winter in florida, motor out to the keys. Personally, it is my favorite type of fishing, i love bottom fishing and depending on the depth of water you often have a shot at many different pelagic species also. This area also includes the phenomenal fishing of alligator reef off islamorada. Patch reef fishing florida keys for snapper off of key largo florida.

Abie raymond holds a nice mutton snapper caught by a client fishing on bouncers dusky 33 with capt. Dec 04, 2019 the mutton snapper bite has been good around the nearshore rock piles. Florida keys winter time patch reef fishing red grouper. Widely scattered patch reefs are found around the state providing habitat for our fisheries. Patch reef fishing 2 miles offshore from marathon key, fl. In between key west and the primary reef line, there are dozens of patch reefs that captain pepe likes to fish when the south florida weather gets windy. The florida reef also known as the great florida reef, florida reefs, florida reef tract and florida keys reef tract is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental united states. How to catch monster snapper on florida keys patch reefs. Irregular patterns, patch reefs, smear reefs, and halfcircle forms typical of many other vmrc reefs may be encountered here.

Mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, gag grouper, black grouper, goliath grouper, hogfish, barracuda, jacks, and sharks. Fish shallow on the patch reefs in 15 35 ft of water or use the mid reefs to fish in 80 ft of. Captain michael sisto and jersey key charters invite you to spend an exciting day fishing the waters around the florida keys. I head out on my boat in key largo, florida and show you how to catch fish on the patch reefs. The nice thing about inshore patch reefs is that it can stay relatively calm and still yield a. Florida keys reef and wreck fishing if you want lots of action, a variety of fish, in a variety of sizes and meat for the table, then reef and wreck fishing is for you. The florida reef consists of two ridges separated from the florida keys by the hawk channel. How to fish patch reefs in the florida keys red rum. A trip to the patch reefs can be a memorable event if planned out ahead of time. All reefs showed at least a twofold variation among. The majority of the patch reefs lie across the hawk channel and just inshore of the main living coral barrier reef that extends along the southern edge of the keys. Patch reef fishing easy adventures boat tours islamorada. These small patch reefs are a refuge for small fish, which in turn bring larger and heftier fish to that area.

Patch reefs of east and west turtle and east washerwoman shoals lie off the middle keys figs. We will be targeting yellowtail snapper, hogfish, porgies, and groupers. Florida keys reef and bottom fishing opportunities. A great trip for the beginner to the expert angler. As a bonus, the porgy bite has been red hot around the patch reefs too. This is a great way for the whole family to enjoy a great day on the atlantic waters just off of marathon key, florida. Editor in chief john brownlee discusses fishing in patch reefs.

Fishing the patch reefs and inshore rock piles in the lower florida keys can be a lot of fun in the winter and can yield some tasty fish. Often times, when we get cold fronts here it will blow very hard from the north for days at a time. Fishing on the coral reefs in the keys is done by anchoring the boat over specific marked spots and chumming up the fish to the back of the. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys. Landward out to 3 miles along this arch lies some of the most productive reef fishing in the united states. The patch reefs found in south florida waters hold mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper various mackerel and grouper as well as many other species that pass through, including a. Muttons eat live ballyhoo and shrimp around patch reefs in november. Most of the patch reefs are 5 to 15 feet deep and 100 feet or less in size, and most are accessable with a small boat. You also have a good selection of wrecks and other artificial reefs when marathon fishing. Sanctuary preservation areas florida keys national. Snorkeling fishing combo charters islamorada florida keys. Ande pink mono is a great alternative to fluorocarbon leaders when fishing the florida keys reef. The patch reefs offer calmer water on these windy days and the end result is a fantastic fishing experience for anglers at every skill level. West washerwoman off the lower keys is by far the largest midchannel cluster of patch reefs benthic ecosystems for tile 6.

Most of them have been eating live pilchards or ballyhoo. If fishing closer in on the patch reefs has still left you hungry for more, then head out for a half day or an eight hour day with any of the key largo fishing charters. The reef includes a deployment of 36 doublet beams, 60 ft. Due to relatively shallow water and close proximity to biscayne bay, even small boats can get in on the action that these limestone areas have to offer.

Some nice mangsyellowtail for dinner and stuff to keep the ladies busy catching. This is typical patch reef fishing all found 2 miles or less from shore here in marathon, florida. The outer reefs in the florida keys act like the great barrier reef sheltering the. Sanctuary preservation areas spas within florida keys national marine sanctuary protect shallow reefs along the reef tract. May 25, 2017 the patches are home to the fish we want to catch. Personally, it is my favorite type of fishing, i love bottom fishing and depending on the depth of water you often. Dec 19, 2018 in this podcast i talk about how to fish the patch reefs in the florida keys. Bringing a few of my semi experienced fishing buddies, along with all our wivesgirlfriends. Many of the offshore and deeper wreck spots are too rough to. Ecological structure of assemblages of coral reef fishes on isolated. Clients have the opportunity to catch several different fish species on patch reef fishing trips, including famous keys scallywags throwback inedible fish or.

In this podcast i talk about how to fish the patch reefs in the florida keys. In shallower waters, the patch reefs offer a lot of action. Tips on fishing floridas inshore patch reefs the outdoors guy. Heres a list of some of the popular florida keys fishing spots ranging from the north end of marathon key heading south towards key west. Key largo reef fishing florida keys sport fishing charters. Its here that youll test your skill and mettle against the mighty warriors of the deep. Fishing florida keys fishing guides, charters of the florida keys.