The Best Way To Find Patch Reefs (WITHOUT Local Intel)
- By: Cameron Kanner
- on
We went out in the Florida Keys with one of the most respected fishermen in the area, Clay Cowart from Life By the Bow, to put a powerful tool to the test.
Not by fishing his go-to spots, but by using this tool to identify promising patch reefs and making the call on the water.
Because here’s the truth:
You don’t need a secret list of waypoints.
And you don’t need decades of local intel.
If you can identify the right structure, you can consistently put yourself around fish.
That’s what this trip was really about.
Watch the video below before your next trip and see how we locate productive ones without guessing.
Featured Gear:
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Rod: Slam Stick Medium
- Hooks: Circle Hooks
- Ruler: Beast Mode Bump Ruler
Featured Software:
Key Takeaways:
- The visual clue most anglers ignore when choosing reefs
- Why “structure” alone is not enough
- How wind-driven current changes everything
- The right way to freeline live bait so it doesn’t look unnatural
- When to go weightless vs switching to a knocker rig
- Why patch reefs might be the most underrated dinner plan in the Keys
Final Thoughts
Patch reef fishing can look simple from the outside.
But knowing which reefs to fish and which ones to skip is what turns a casual trip into steady action and a cooler with dinner.
Have you ever used Smart Fishing Spots to scan for better bottom before you even leave the dock?
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Good info!
Now that is why we love Salt Strong!
enjoyed
Very cool video. Love that clear water and all the action.
Great lessons and detail on using SFS. way to go Cam.
A great “twofer” with my man Cameron making a video with my favorite “Keys” guy Clay. I got hooked watching Life by the Bow after having shoulder surgery two years ago and being confined to the recliner. Great to see both of my favorite fishing groups together.
A side request for Clay… a video on how to use a dehooker would be nice for us!
Scott, watch Clay’s most recent Life by the Bow (13 days ago), he gives a quick lesson on how to use it.
Hey Scott, we filmed a video with him on that very thing! Should go live soon
Great video. I wasn’t aware of the new catch/waypoints feature in the app and I’m stoked to use it. Also love the way you handle and take care of the fish you aren’t keeping. Let ’em live for another day, so you can catch ’em again. Well done!
Makes winter in Kansas seem even worse watching you guys fish those patch reefs. Can’t wait to get down there and try it out.
Looks like fun fishing. 🤗🎣🙏💯
good info and really encouraging. Got me psyched to hit the water soon.
Hopefully with similar results.
Thanks for all you guys do!