I tried for the first time last week, it didn't go so well, but it didn't look like anyone was doing well that day. I found the structure at bahia reef, it's hard to miss cause it's everywhere. We dropped some shrimp down, caught a few cats and not much else.

So what do you guys usually use to fish reefs? What do you typically catch?

Also do the radio towers hold alot out there? I hooked up with a cobia and a pin, but didn't see any snapper or anything else.

I never do well at the reefs either. Maybe I don't anchor right on them.

Theres some good reefs in the bay but good luck getting someone to tell you some coordinates. If I were you and i was fishing in that area I would anchor up in 6-8 ft of water just outside the no wake signs outside of the lil manatee. Buy 2 chumblocks and tie them up to the back of the boat and freeline whitebait behind the boat. Always a great way to catch fish this time of year

There is a tab on top of the page on this site named " where to fish ? Click on it then click on artificial reefs.

That has all the reefs on there. I tried finding the Picnic Island reef , but couldn't last week :(

The two main ones that are popular and good are Bahia and Port Manatee along the South Shore. Now, the water is super hot. Deeper might be better. Location around the reefs is important and takes some expermentation.

Regulars on those reefs do well. Most using them have mixed results this time of year. See how dark the water is around Bahia. That's tannic acid from the decayed vegetation up river. It's a Summer problem.

I would try Port Manatee Reef. Buy a chart and all the information you might want would be on a quality chart regarding location.

www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/reef/pdf/stpete-bay.pdf
This one looks interesting!

Here's a map with some locations.
www.tampabaysaltwateradventures.com/artificialreefs_zone1.php

Someone told me at night there are guy's making their own reefs, illegally of course. Anybody heard of this going on?

Thanks guys, finding the reefs isn't much of an issue so far, it's getting them to produce.

I use the google earth app for it, it seems to be extremely accurate so far.
earthnc.com/floridareefs
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How are you guys rigging for the reefs? what baits? do I need chum blocks?