Reefs and structure in the deep, current-swept waters of South Florida? You’ll find two approaches to fishing this combo—either riding at anchor or attempting to drift with the wind and current over productive bottom.
In the former, captains target specific locations—ones suspected of harboring desirable species. These include hogfish, snappers, groupers, porgies, etc. Productive trips are usually recorded, along with the sea and current conditions, time-of-year, and so-on.
When I was poorer (and younger), I opted for drifting.
My strategy? First, I’d ask myself if, and where any migratory fish were showing. Where, for example, were the kingfish biting? Any mackerel or mahi? Then, I’d factor-in the wind and guess at the current.
Next, I’d head out whatever inlet seemed the closest, before turning up-current ahead of my desired starting…
