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Steinhatchee, Florida has long been considered a fisherman's utopia, sporting crystal clear waters that teem with marine life. Its shallow rivers, bays and inlets nestled along the Sunshine State's "Big Bend" boast mineral-rich soils and deposits that have created one of the most diverse and productive underwater ecosystems on the planet. The reefs here attract countless visitors from all across the country, from sports anglers and trawlers to snorkelers, divers and plain old maritime fanatics.
Steinhatchee Reef
The Steinhatchee Reef is located nine nautical miles from the last channel marker on the Steinhatchee River and encompasses a total area of 2,067 feet by 547 feet. Fishers here will often follow jumping schools of baitfish or flocks of seagulls to locate concentrations of trout, sheepshead, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. In particular, the area is an excellent place to learn salt fly-fishing techniques from experienced local guides. The reef was last enhanced in 1998 through 112 humanmade modules designed to strengthen the habitat by providing rock shelters for fish and hard surfaces for algae to grow on.
Deadman's Bay
Deadman's Bay is the name given to the mouth of the Steinhatchee River back in the 1830s when it was home to thousands of Native Americans. The mix of freshwater and saltwater where the river dumps into the much more significant Apalachee Bay in the Gulf of Mexico created a vibrant underwater community flush with redfish, seatrout, crevalle jack and ladyfish, among others. Fishing is particularly abundant in April, May and June as the water warms over the reef's shallow grass flats. Come summer, snorkelers with mesh bags gather by the dozens to troll for bay scallops.
Steinhatchee River
The Steinhatchee River flows 35 miles from the Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County to the Gulf of Mexico. Natural reefs along the river have been attracting fishers ever since the days when early explorers would write about vast deposits of oyster and mussel shells scattered along its shores. Anybody with a small raft or similar vessel can safely navigate the river's waters during warm weather months in search of grouper, black bass, tarpon, cobia and kingfish. Also, when water temperatures drop in October and November, the river floods with large spotted (gator) seatrout.
Buckeye Artificial Reef
The Buckeye Artificial Reef is situated less than 18 miles from Keaton Beach and comprises approximately 640 acres across one square mile. The favorite diving spot is the deepest artificial reef site permitted by Taylor County. It was created in 1996 by submerging 80 tons of scrap steel 47 feet below the surface of the water and has since become rich with marine life, including barnacles, sponges, giant sea turtles, white grunt, baitfish and winter sheepshead.
Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area
The Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area is comprised of some 500 artificial reef patches over 100 square miles. The area is located slightly offshore from the mouth of the Steinhatchee River, with each reef reaching a depth of between 30 and 50 feet. The federally approved project was developed by the state to boost the local economy and support fisheries in the Steinhatchee area. The completed reef patches are fully open to the public and will attract everything from grouper and sea bass to snapper and red drum.
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Writer Bio
Mark Heidelberger has been writing for more than 22 years, from articles and short stories to novels and screenplays. He is a consummate foodie, loves to travel and has run several businesses, all of which influence his work. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA.