Fallen Heroes Reef (M-8)

Reef (artificial) in Sarasota nearshore waters

Draft - not published. This page is only shown while developing. It stays off the live site until its status is changed to published.

NearshoreUpdated October 11, 2026

Depth
58-63 ft
Access
By boat
Best months
March to June, September to December
Species
Gag grouper, Red grouper, Mangrove (gray) snapper, Greater amberjack, King mackerel (kingfish), Cobia, Permit

The deep end of the nearshore reefs, in 58 to 63 feet about 13.6 nautical miles west-southwest of Big Sarasota Pass, in federal waters about 4 nautical miles outside the state line. FWC records a steel landing craft (1985), ten boxcars (1988, now collapsed), five retired M-60 Army tanks (1995), the Kyle Jackson Trail of reef modules set between the tanks and beside the landing craft (2008), and more modules and limestone in 2016 and 2017. Nearby are M-7 Johnson Reef and M-6 (52 feet), both federal.

How to fish it

Fish the tanks and landing craft on anchor for grouper and snapper, and live baits for kingfish and cobia. FWC puts adult gag and amberjack in water over about 60 feet, so this is the nearshore reef most likely to hold amberjack and bigger grouper, and permit in the warm months. The pieces spread over about a quarter mile, so pick the one you want on the sounder before you anchor. Drop a descending device with every grouper or snapper you release from this depth.

Watch out for: About 14 nautical miles out, about 5 nautical miles inside the line where the offshore forecast zone (GMZ873) begins. Check both forecasts, file a float plan, and plan the run home around summer afternoon storms. Barotrauma is common in fish from 60 feet.
Rules here: Federal waters: federal reef fish rules plus FWC's State Reef Fish Angler designation and gear rules. FWC still lists a descending device or venting tool rigged and ready; the federal requirement lapsed in January 2026 while NOAA works on continuing it, so carry one anyway. The rules to check in Sarasota nearshore waters

Wind and waves

Now and the next 48 hours at Fallen Heroes Reef (M-8)

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On the map

Fallen Heroes Reef (M-8) and the places around it

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Position

  • N27° 12.536' W082° 48.110'27.208940, -82.801830

Not for navigation: check it against a current chart before you rely on it.

Places nearby

The closest named places, as the crow flies

Check the rules before you keep a fish. Size limits, bag limits and seasons change, sometimes at short notice. Our "Can you keep it today?" lists give them as of the day we last checked; these are the official pages.