When it comes to florida keys snorkeling and novice diving, coffins patch, a reef at marathon, is an amazing florida keys dive site. Concrete bridge spans long key bridge 5 patch reefs. Just looking for some atlantic patch reef fishing tips that would be easy to have the ladies enjoy. Dive concessions can be found at marathons several dive shops, resorts, hotelsmotels, and marinas. The florida reef consists of two ridges separated from the florida keys by the hawk channel. Informations on the diving spot of coffins patch marathon key. The 10 best snorkeling spots in the florida keys coastal. Popular shipwrecks, reefs, and wrecks of the florida keys. Marathon florida keys fishing report captain chris johnson, seasquared charters december 28, 2010 our good client, jerry moore, escapes western pennyslvania every christmas to spend some.
The middle keys monroe county gps coordinates reefs. Tips on fishing floridas inshore patch reefs outdoors guy. The patch reefs offer awesome light tackle fishing in the winter months. Ecotourism in the florida keys offers backcountry tours of mangrove islands by kayak and great bird watching in the many marine sanctuaries. Click on a location on the map to see its description and coordinates, or scroll down to the list to see all the details. Its home to over 500 different species of fish and 1,400 species of marine life. Patch reef fishing florida keys for snapper off of key largo florida. Its not uncommon to catch a variety of different species in one day. Fishing the many different patch reefs that average 20 feet or so in depth is fantastic. On the drive, pass over 42 bridges, including seven mile bridge, and 34 islands as you travel the overseas highway. 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. Coffins patch key colony beach 2020 all you need to know. A fishing reef is a place where marine life congregate and thrive. Closest to the keys is a sand ridge called white bank, covered by large beds of sea grass, with patch reefs scattered across it.
Coral reefs lay the foundation of a dynamic ecosystem. Reef fishing charters in marathon, florida keys coral. Many species of fish and other sea life are abundant on the patch reefs. Florida keys artificial reefs islamorada sport fishing. The reef at marathon is located in the heart of the keys facing the gulf of mexico. 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. This includes ones important to fishing like spiny lobster, snapper, and grouper. Patch reefs at east washerwoman shoal and elsewhere in the middle of hawk channel off the middle and lower keys formed on its landward edge lidz et al. Marathon is a beautiful place to vacation year round with a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep anyone busy. Snorkeling at sea may be popular in the florida keys, but exploring the waters off the shore is equally magical.
With lovely patch reefs everywhere, and numerous dive operators to choose from, plus plenty of great shore dives, marathon is a great place to escape from the cares of everyday life, for divers new and experienced alike. Bottomfishing in the florida keys salt water sportsman. I included detailed patch reef fishing tackle and fishing tips. Fishing the patch reefs can achieve great results with relatively simple gear. This is typical patch reef fishing all found 2 miles or less from shore here in marathon, florida.
Coffins patch is a great reef close to the marinas and no more then 30 feet deep, you can see small nurse sharks, barracuda, rays even eels. This refuge was created in 1938 in an attempt to protect the rare and endangered great white heron which is found only in the florida keys. One of the largest spur and groove reef formations in the florida keys, sombrero key reef features lovely fingers of lettuce and brain coral, with lush stands of gorgonians and brilliant forests of elkhorn coral separated by white, sandy valleys. Fishing the reefs off marathon in the keys florida sportsman. The middle keys gps numbers include florida bay on the bay side and the atlantic ocean out to the straights of florida including long key.
Other inshore and offshore patch reefs in the surrounding area remain open. Patch reefs are small coral reef formations inside of the main barrier reef. 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. This is a great way for the whole family to enjoy a great day on the atlantic waters just off of marathon key, florida. Floridas tropical island paradise is famous for its fantastic snorkeling opportunities. When marathon fishing, you also have access to a different backcountry area. The best snorkeling from the shore in marathon, florida.
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. Offshore of the middle keys there are several examples of both outside spur and groove reefs as well as patch reefs. Bringing a few of my semi experienced fishing buddies, along with all our wivesgirlfriends. Marathons reefs offer great variety in coral formations and fish life. Each villa has a fullsized washer and dryer and a large storage area. Diving and snorkeling in the florida keys gulf view. January patch reef fishing floridakeysreeladventures. Marathon key patch reef fishing american fishing co.
Abyss dive center is a padi 5 star instructor development center located in marathon, at florida keys mile marker 53. Keys patch reefs and wrecks produce a wide variety of species, including this big african pompano. The gps global positioning system, dgps differential gps, lor loran c or uk unknown entries in the gps field indicates which format the original coordinates were obtained if known. Light tackle, small reefs, but big fun and lots of action. Further out to sea on the edge of the florida straits is the second ridge forming the outer reefs, covered by reefs and hard banks composed of. 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. Experienced sea kayakers or those on popular guided tours can venture into the open ocean to snorkel over patch reefs at any of the lower keys. When you go to the patch reefs bring some hair hooks, tiny hooks. For some of the easiest, surefire fishing to be had in winter in florida, motor out to the keys. Fishing for mangrove snapper is done on the patch reefs and the deep reefs all along the florida keys.
Usually, you can catch small bait fish like ballyhoo on the patch reefs. Lots of action for a huge variety of species of reef fish. 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. Some nice mangsyellowtail for dinner and stuff to keep the ladies busy catching. This vibrant coral reef system is considered the backbone of all life in the florida keys. One of the reasons people love to fish in this area is the ideal location. Florida and the 120 mile stretch of the florida keys has the only living barrier coral reef in the continental united states. The depth field is the depth of water in feet to the bottom in reef area, while relief is the height that the wreck rises above the bottom. Top 10 marathon, fl fishing charters for 2020 fishingbooker. Originally published in the december 2010 print edition. For some of the easiest, surefire fishing to be had in winter in florida, motor out to the keys patch reefs. Patch reef fishing 2 miles offshore from marathon key, fl.
Fishing patch reefs are a good way to start out fishing in the keys,and learn the techniques of florida keys fishing. Family fishing marathon florida keys seasquared charters. How to fish patch reefs in the florida keys red rum. The reef at marathon is a unique resort in the florida keys. The great white heron national wildlife refuge runs to the west and north of the islands from marathon key through the big pine and key lower keys region down to key west. 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. Indistinguishable from the rest of hawk channel in aerial photos, this trough is the second of two on the inner shelf that constitute new coral reef nuclei in the florida reef record. How to fish the patch reefs in the winter bullbuster. The patch reefs deliver for first time anglers in the florida keys. The patch reefs and hawk channel on the atlantic side consistently offer nonstop action for snapper, grouper, amberjack, mackerel, sailfish and more. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys. Florida keys snorkeling best snorkeling in the keys.
Hog snapper and groupers are the catch in less than 15 feet of water off the upper florida keys. Coral reefs create specialized habitats that provide shelter, food, and breeding sites for numerous plants and animals. The crystalline waters of the atlantic ocean reveal a marine wilderness comprised of an extensive spurandgroove coral complex and numerous welldeveloped patch reefs. Middle keys reefs and shipwrecks florida go fishing. East washerwoman shoal and other patch reefs in hawk. How to catch monster snapper on florida keys patch reefs. We are ocean side and a short boat ride away from over 50 dive sites along 14 miles of prolific reefs and history filled wrecks. Take a day trip from miami to key west, the southernmost city in the united states, without renting a car or having to drive. Grassy key is an island in the middle florida keys, between crawl key and. They are very common on the patch reefs and make great bait live or dead. Lets take a few moments to look at just a handful of marathons best dive sites. Florida is the only state in the continental united states with extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts.
Florida keys patch reef fishing seasquared charters. From offshore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish to nearshore shipwrecks, here are 10 of the best places to strap on a snorkeling mask. Patch reefs stick up off that flat bottom sometimes as much as 15 to 20 feet. 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. Charter fishing the reefs off of marathon in the florida keys is nothing but a hop, skip, and a jump from land.
The locations below are primarily artificial reefs and shipwrecks. Family fishing the calm waters of marathon, in the heart of the florida keys, offer the perfect venue for family fun fishing, swimming, snorkeling, touring and exploring. If you prefer, you can have just as much fun taking one of the many marathon tarpon charters out into deeper waters where a mixture of chumming, trolling, and casting with whole live mullet or crabs ought to get the job done. A typical trip of what you can expect to catch when fishing the patch reefs off of marathon florida. If you know the south florida fishing channel, then you know heiko winkler loves to do some patch reef fishing. In addition to the wellknown coffins patch and sombrero reef snorkeling spots, there are many other healthy and beautiful shallow water patch reefs close to marathon and duck key, fl. Many species of fish and other sea life are abundant on. Opportunity for rentals or purchase of dive or snorkel equipment can be found at many. Mangrove snapper fishing is another very popular species to fish for in the florida keys. The reef at marathon waterfront villas in the heart of.
Boating and angling guide to the middle keys, side a little duck key to grassy key, including marathon,key colony beach, sombrero reef, and coffins patch. Fishing in the florida keys off of marathon island with american fishing co. Ballyhoo are small beaked bait fish, ranging from about 7 14 inches long. In this podcast i talk about how to fish the patch reefs in the florida keys. Boating and angling guide to the middle keys, side b key colony beach to lower matecumbe, including marathon, key colony beach, duck key, and long key. You will be able to catch many different species of fish and enjoy the wonders of this type of angling. You can fish shallow on the patch reefs or head to the deeper reefs in 100 to 150 feet. Coffins patch key colony beach 2020 all you need to.
A patch reef in 40 feet of water may be thirty feet in diameter and the water depth on top of the patch may be only 10 to 15 feet deep. All of our units accommodate six people in an octagon shaped villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and living room and a full kitchen. A lively reef, some coral and plenty of fish around courtesy of the boat crew feeding them. Patch reef fishing angling adventures florida keys fishing trips. Experience angling adventures in the keys that you will remember for a lifetime. Marathon, florida is one of the top hot spots in the keys for great fishing. With 20 pound tackle and live baits catching these large snapper can really put up a great fight. Our waterfront villas are situated right on the gulf of mexico and comfortably sleep up to 6 people with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Since marathon is 80 miles out to sea between the gulf of mexico and the atlantic ocean, fish are plentiful right off the shore. These small patch reefs are a refuge for small fish, which in. Key west fishing link 801 eaton st, key west, fl 33040 305 8536036. Florida keys reef and bottom fishing opportunities. 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. The overall area is composed of 6 different reefs, each sporting a predominantly different coral.