Red snapper out of Boca Grande at a glance
Red snapper turn up out of Boca Grande as bycatch on bottom-fishing trips, not as the point of a trip. They are fished here only during the federal season, and when one comes up, it comes up incidentally. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
Reef bearings and distances on this page are measured from Boca Grande Pass or Gasparilla Pass, the two inlets that serve the port of Boca Grande. The guide gives reef depths, distances and bearings so you can decide where to look. It makes no promise about fish.
- Season: federal season only
- Longest local run: 9 hours, up to 50 miles offshore
- How they come up: incidental catch while bottom fishing
- Reference points: Boca Grande Pass and Gasparilla Pass
When red snapper are around
Red snapper are fished here only during the federal season, and there is nothing more specific to add for this port.
For how red snapper behave across the Gulf, see our Gulf red snapper guide.
How far boats run
The longest local offshore trips run 9 hours and reach up to 50 miles offshore, according to Anchors Away Charters. All of the named reefs below sit well inside that range.
Reefs and structure off Boca Grande and Gasparilla passes
Eight named reefs lie off the two passes. Distance and bearing are measured from the pass listed in the "From" column and are meant for planning the run, not for navigation.
| Reef | Depth (ft) | Distance (mi) | Bearing | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasparilla Reef | 12 | |||
| 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 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Nearshore reefs
Gasparilla, Mary, Helen and Causeway reefs sit in 12 to 30 ft of water. Of these, only Mary Reef is measured from Gasparilla Pass.
Reefs past 40 feet
PowerPole, CCA Phoenix, Charlottes and Boxcar reefs sit in 45 to 70 ft. Boxcar, at 70 ft and 21 miles, is the deepest and farthest of the named reefs. Charlottes and Causeway share a bearing (286°) from Boca Grande Pass, so a single run covers both.
How they’re fished and who fishes them
Local red snapper catches come from bottom-fishing trips rather than a dedicated snapper program.
Incidental catch while bottom fishing
Red snapper here come up as incidental catch while bottom fishing. For the other species on those lines, see our reef fish fishing guides.
Anchors Away Charters
Anchors Away Charters in Boca Grande, run by Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr., lists red snapper on its 9-hour trip, which runs up to 50 miles offshore. The operator says red snapper are possible on that trip but that it is not a red snapper trip.
FAQ: red snapper fishing out of Boca Grande
Is red snapper a target out of Boca Grande?
No. Red snapper out of Boca Grande are an incidental catch while bottom fishing, and the local operator says its trip is not a red snapper trip.
When can I fish red snapper here?
Only during the federal season. Check the federal and Florida rules before you run.
How far do boats run from Boca Grande?
The longest local trips are 9 hours and reach up to 50 miles offshore.
Which named reef off Boca Grande is deepest?
Boxcar Reef, at 70 ft and 21 miles, bearing 267° from Boca Grande Pass. The figures are for planning, not navigation.
Who runs trips that list red snapper?
Anchors Away Charters, with Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr. Red snapper are listed as possible on its 9-hour, up-to-50-mile trip.
