For gag grouper fishing out of Boca Grande, the split is distance. Anchors Away says its 12 mile nearshore trips mostly produce shorts, and its 45 to 50 mile runs are where keeper grouper are more likely. Below are the named reefs off both passes of Boca Grande, with depths, distances and bearings. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
When gag are here off Boca Grande
Anchors Away offers keeper gag on its 8 and 9 hour trips year-round. That is the charter’s offer, not a harvest season. The agencies set the season, and the Regulations section below points you to them. For biology and seasonal movement, see the gag grouper species guide.
How far boats run
Two distances frame the choice: about 12 miles and 45 to 50 miles, with short gag on one side and keepers on the other. For the regional picture, see the reef fish guides.
Nearshore, about 12 miles
Salty Jaw fishes the nearshore reefs off Boca Grande. Anchors Away says its 12 mile nearshore trips mostly produce shorts. Every named reef in the next section lies within 21 miles of the passes.
45 to 50 miles
Anchors Away’s 8 hour trips go up to 45 miles and its 9 hour trips up to 50 miles. That is where it says keeper grouper are more likely.
Grounds and structure
Distances and bearings are measured from Boca Grande Pass, except Mary Reef, which is measured from Gasparilla Pass.
| Reef | Depth (ft) | Distance (mi) | Bearing | Reference pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Reef | 30 | 3.0 | 205° | Gasparilla Pass |
| Helen Reef | 30 | 5.7 | 195° | Boca Grande Pass |
| PowerPole Reef | 45 | 7.3 | 254° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Charlottes Reef | 52 | 12.7 | 286° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Causeway Reef | 26 | 12.8 | 286° | Boca Grande Pass |
| Boxcar Reef | 70 | 21 | 267° | Boca Grande Pass |
| CCA Phoenix Reef | 50 | |||
| Gasparilla Reef | 12 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Published bearings and distances are for planning, not for navigation. Confirm each position on your own plotter.
Under 30 ft
- Gasparilla Reef, 12 ft.
- Causeway Reef, 26 ft, 12.8 mi at 286° from Boca Grande Pass.
30 to 52 ft
- Mary Reef, 30 ft, 3.0 mi at 205° from Gasparilla Pass. It is the reef closest to Gasparilla Pass.
- Helen Reef, 30 ft, 5.7 mi at 195°.
- PowerPole Reef, 45 ft, 7.3 mi at 254°.
- CCA Florida’s Phoenix Reef project, 50 ft.
- Charlottes Reef, 52 ft, 12.7 mi at 286°. It shares its 286° bearing with Causeway Reef, 0.1 mi apart in published distance.
70 ft
- Boxcar Reef, 70 ft, 21 mi at 267° from Boca Grande Pass. It is the deepest and farthest named reef in the list.
How gag are fished here
Each method below belongs to the charter that uses it.
Live bait on the bottom
- Salty Jaw uses live bait presentations on the bottom.
- Anchors Away also fishes bottom.
Free-lining and trolling
Anchors Away may free-line bait or troll.
Who fishes for gag out of Boca Grande
Two local charters list gag grouper.
Anchors Away Charters
Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr. runs Anchors Away Charters. Its 8 and 9 hour trips go to 45 and 50 miles, where it says keepers are more likely. Its 12 mile trips mostly produce shorts.
Salty Jaw Charters
Capt. Jesse Beye runs Salty Jaw Charters. It fishes the nearshore reefs off Boca Grande with live bait on the bottom.
FAQ: gag grouper out of Boca Grande
How far do I run for keeper gag?
Anchors Away runs up to 45 miles on 8 hour trips and up to 50 miles on 9 hour trips. It says keeper grouper are more likely at those distances.
Can I catch keepers nearshore?
Anchors Away says its 12 mile nearshore trips mostly produce shorts. Salty Jaw fishes the nearshore reefs with live bait on the bottom. Neither charter promises keepers on the short run.
What is the deepest named reef nearby?
Boxcar Reef, at 70 ft. It sits 21 mi at 267° from Boca Grande Pass and is also the farthest named reef on the list.
Which reefs are close to Gasparilla Pass?
Mary Reef, 30 ft, 3.0 mi at 205° from Gasparilla Pass. Gasparilla Reef is listed at 12 ft, with no published position.
How do local boats fish for gag?
Salty Jaw and Anchors Away both fish live bait on the bottom. Anchors Away may also free-line bait or troll.
Is gag open year-round?
Anchors Away offers keeper gag on its 8 and 9 hour trips year-round. The harvest season itself is set by FWC and federal managers, so check both before every trip.
