posted by CrankyCronos on Jul 25
This deep-water site is home to the USCG Cutter Blackthorn, the tug Sheridan, and a steel barge. The tug Sheridan remains intact, and many divers consider this 180-foot steel tug West Central Florida’s best wreck dive. Its diverse population of migratory and bottom dwelling fish attracts both divers and fishermen. Grouper, snapper, amberjack, crevelle jack, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, barracuda, and an occasional shark are often found here.
Depth: 80 feet
N27º 52.500
W83º 11.400
posted by CrankyCronos on Jul 25
This reef has many tall pyramid structures. In 1995, the reef crew placed concrete material from the demolition of the old Clearwater Pass Bridge. This reef provides an excellent place to look for kingfish. To find our “Twin Peaks”, go to N27º 55.220/W083º 01.500. This will place you on a pyramid structure measuring about 80 feet long and 50 feet wide. The peaks of the pyramids are 18-20 feet high and the structure has a diameter of 95 feet. The newest addition to this reef site, a low level reef structure 150 feet long and 85 feet wide, lies 50 feet northwest of the center buoy. This addition consists of 600 tons of concrete bridge piling cutoffs, culvert, and light poles. A 35-foot barge previously used in the early days of the County’s reef program rests atop this new addition.
Depth: 50 feet
N27º 55.924
W83º 01.403
posted by CrankyCronos on Jul 25
Pinellas County Utilities plans to build a new reef site approximately 39 miles West of Clearwater Pass in 130 feet of water. Artificial reef construction permits specify that reefs must not exceed half the water’s depth. The depth of this water allows the county to sink larger vessels and decommissioned military ships.
Depth: 130 feet
N27º 53.000
W83º 35.000
posted by CrankyCronos on Jul 25
Although construction on the first County reef began in the early sixties, the reef crew has made many additions over the last several years. To cover all these structures, start at the center of the reef, use your depth recorder, and head north, south, east, or west. The middle of the reef features a submerged barge.
Depth: 27-29 feet
N 28º 00.950
W82º 53.700
posted by CrankyCronos on Jul 25
You will find high profile structures at the north end and pyramids 1,000 feet south of the center of this reef. Photographers armed with zoom lenses and extension tubes enjoy photographing this reef.
Depth: 25-30 feet
N28º 03.200
W82º 54.550
