The Tampa Bay Times

 A compass is an important instrument when anchoring in situations where boat position is key.  Many times the difference between catching fish or not catching fish can be as critical as being precisely on a specific spot or being just a few feet off.   This is typically indicative of bottom fishing on wrecks, artificial reefs, or natural limestone ledges when presenting baits to the fish’s doorstep is imperative.  The compass heading will allow you to repeat anchor settings from spot to spot, or give the necessary information to reset an anchor to get positioned correctly.  This practice has been very useful on recent trips to wrecks from 10-40 feet deep.  Wreck fishing offers a combination of bottom fishing for mangrove snapper, triggerfish, sea bass, grouper, and more while also presenting surface baits for Spanish mackerel, cobia, or barracuda.