The concentration of intense fishing pressure has led to decline and collapse of numerous fish populations. Technological advances have enabled recreational fishers to efficiently target fish on small seafloor features using bathymetric maps, but consequences of these hyper-focused harvesting strategies remain unexplored in recreational fisheries management. This study examined spatial patterns in recreational fishing pressure and linked these to changes in fish populations on reefs in eastern Australia. Fishing pressure aggregated on large, high-complexity reefs easily located through freely available nautical charts. Fishing pressure concentrated on large, well-connected reefs reduced the biomass and diversity of fisheries targets, shifting distributions toward smaller, isolated reefs that provided refuge from fishing, despite typically supporting fewer fish. As stocks on prominent features become depleted, fishers adapt by seeking smaller, less detectable features. Results highlight the need for spatial management strategies focusing on high-complexity areas to prevent widespread depletion across seascapes.