'Patch Reef' Fishing Remarkably Close to the Florida Keys

Like ragtag segments of a patchwork quilt, the upper Keys’ nearshore “patch reefs” bring bottom fishing into reach of bay boats and even flats boats. With rock/corral formations in about 10-30 feet sitting just a few miles from shore, anglers that “pick their day” can access a typically offshore species mix nearly year-round.

With proximity to the Atlantic Ocean’s plunging depths keeping these sites well nourished, anglers appreciate the shorter runs and lower upfront cost (tackle, bait, fuel or charter fees). Moreover, the medium spinning tackle similar to what you might use for flats fishing or the Everglades backcountry will handle much of what you’ll encounter on the patch reefs.

Fall-winter is prime time, as a wave of grouper and snapper move shallow. During this time, patch reefs produce plenty of big bite opportunities to interest the seasoned angler, but with nearly nonstop action, this offers a solid option for kids and novice anglers. This period can definitely see rough conditions, but with plenty of productive patch reefs less than two miles from land, anglers can typically bend a rod on all but the worst of days. Generally, a north to northwest wind bodes well, as the Keys land masses break the blow and leave the nearshore waters relatively calm.

What to Look For

While local charts and Google Earth can help you choose a general area, onsite recon will dial you in to specific structures. Start shallow and work your way out as you scan the bottom for dark spots with greater density and more clearly defined edges than grass patches.

Turtles will often guide you to the hard bottom in which they reside, so note any floating sunbathers. Also, baitfish schools like to hover over reefs and spotting the telltale dimpling or “raining” of sardines or threadfins means you’re in the right neighborhood.

Clusters of anchored boats should further serve to direct your focus, but always allow courteous spacing. Idle by at a respectful distance and you might receive some helpful insight on the day’s preferences.

Who’s Home?

The species mix varies by reef site, but hogfish, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper and porgies favor low-relief, while taller structures tend to attract mangrove snapper, lane snapper, and groupers (black, gag, red, Nassau, and Goliath.) The farther from shore you venture, the better your chances of nabbing top-end specimens.

Patch reefs also offer a fascinating array of colorful species such as porkfish, scrawled filefish, French grunts, parrotfish, wrasses, and porgies. Not a lot of table fare value with most of these, but definitely photo worthy.

Along with the residents, you might also find Spanish or Cero mackerel, yellow jack, African pompano and even sailfish visit the shallow reefs and check out the feeding opportunities. Sharks are always in the mix, although not as bad as they are during the warmer months. Nurse sharks are probably the most common bycatch, as they often tuck under the same hard bottom edges where grouper and snapper hide.

Good rule of thumb: If you catch a handful of juvenile yellowtail snapper and/or French grunts (diagonal golden stripes), it’s time to relocate. Bigger snapper and grouper will eat these little guys or scare them off, so a site that’s overrun with the less desirables isn’t worth your time.

Baits and Tactics

For maximum patch reef opportunity, keep a variety of rigs on deck. To jump start the bite, hang a chum bag.

• Knocker Rig: One of the simplest, yet most effective bottom rigs for any depth, this one finds a slip sinker (1- to 2-ounce for patch reefs) placed on the leader before adding a 1/0-2/0 circle hook. On the drop, the weight slides against the hook for a compact package, but when fish bites, the leader pulls through the weight so the fish does not immediately feel pressure. (Good one for wary snapper and grouper.)
• Jig Head: A handy and compact method of presenting cut squid or chunks of frozen sardine, the venerable lead head (1/4- to 1/2-ounce) casts well and allows you to work a reef’s sandy perimeter to kick up the bottom and mimic a fleeing crustacean. Baited with shrimp, this is a good look for those hogfish.
• Split Shot: For an enticingly slow fall, crimp a couple of split shots to your leader, a couple inches above the hook. Gauge the current to keep your bait on target. In swifter flow, cast upcurrent for a targeted drift, but keep in contact with your bait to prevent snagging.
• Double Trouble: A good choice for those fascinating colorful species, add size 8 or 10 hooks to a pair of dropper loops spaced 6 inches apart with a 2-ounce sinker at the end of a 6- to 8-inch leader. Great way to pull up multiple species while stirring up interest among the bigger fish.

Bonus Bait

Keep a sabiki rig handy and you might cash in on a school of sardines parking over your patch reef. Live or cut, fresh bait’s always a plus. Also, keep an eye on our chum slick, as ballyhoo often gather in the scent trail.

If you’re quick with the cast net, you can gather a dozen or two at a time. This method tends to bruise and weaken the baits, but since you’ll fish the ‘hoos as cut bait, that’s not a patch reef concern.

The other simple tactic for catching fresh ballyhoo involves floating a small chunk of squid or shrimp under a tiny cork. The slip-on floats with hollow centers and plastic pegs to cinch the line work best. Despite the depth, you don’t want to scatter the baitfish with an overpowered popping cork like you’d use for trout.

Simply position the float about 18 inches above a small hook (size 10-12), cast down current and let the bait drift through your chum trail. You may have to deal with the occasional party crashing blue runner and yellowtail snapper are no strangers to chum line antics, but when patience delivers a frisky ballyhoo, get a knocker-rigged chunk to the bottom asap.

Muttons are particularly fond of fresh ‘hoo nuggets, but most of your snapper and grouper species also welcome the tasty morsel.

And while you’re at it, keep a live sardine or blue runner free-lined off the stern for any pelagics that come snooping around the shallow structure. Not a bad idea to rig a wire leader, in case the toothy types make a showing.

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