Mosquito Bank and Basin Hill Shoals
Two popular patch reefs in the Key Largo Area are Mosquito Banks and Basin
Hill Shoal. They are both a short distance from the Pennekamp State Park boat
rentals and boat launch. Both reef areas hold tons of fish but are both much
better fishing in the winter months. They are also great places to catch bait
all year round. Both places are usually loaded with ballyhoo and Basin Hill
Shoals in the warmer months is a great place to catch small blue runners.
Both reefs are great on windy days, especially Basin Hill shoals if the wind
is blowing from the east. It is very common if you are coming here on vacation
in the months of Decemember to Febuary for the wind to be howling. So knowing
some sheltered spots where you can at least catch dinner is a good thing.
To get to Mosquito Bank from Pennekamp and Key Largo sound you
just head out what is know as south creek, just look for a short tower to the
south, it marks the inland side of the patches. Pretty much even if the wind
is howling you will be able to see the patchs . I would suggest find a deep
edge a little outside the patches to fish. Ohterwise you will be smothered in
tiny grunts.
To get to Basin Hill shoals you will go out of "north creek"
from Key Largo Sound and head north east following the shore. You will see a
short tower after you have been driving for a minute. This marks the inland
side of the shoals, and pretty much you will see the patches all to the ocean
side of that tower. Now the beauty of the shoals is that 1 foot area you see
to the east of shoals, this will pretty much kill the waves coming from the
east, so even a the windiest day the water is pretty comfortable inside of that
bank.
For tips on how to fish these shollow reefs please check out the
reef fishing page
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