Gray triggerfish fishing out of Cortez is reef bottom fishing, and triggers show up in the snapper and grouper mix. Boats leave through Longboat Pass and run anywhere from 0.6 miles to 40+ miles, depending on the trip. Depth, distance and bearing are listed below for each named reef and for the Anna Maria Ledge. For the wider coast, see the gray triggerfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
Where and How Far Boats Run for Triggerfish
Distance is the main planning variable. Florida Fishing Fleet offshore trips run 8 and 10 hours and cover 20 to 40+ miles. One Cortez-area charter listing names gray triggerfish as a likely catch.
Key planning numbers for the offshore run:
- Trip lengths: 8-hour and 10-hour offshore trips
- Run distance: 20 to 40+ miles
- Route to the Gulf: Longboat Pass
When Triggerfish Are Around
Triggerfish come up in the reef bottom mix on the offshore runs, and the operators listed below name them as a likely catch. Open-season timing is in the Regulations section at the bottom of this page.
Reefs and Structure Near Cortez
Seven named reefs and one ledge lie off Cortez in 16 to 46 ft of water.
| Structure | Depth (ft) | Distance | Bearing | Measured from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Near Shore Reef | 16 | 0.6 miles | 321 degrees | Longboat Pass |
| 3 Mile South Reef | 30 | 3.5 miles | 270 degrees | Longboat Pass |
| 1 Mile Reef | 25 | 4.3 nm | 320 degrees | Longboat Pass entrance |
| Gucken Reef | 33 | 4.6 miles | 250 degrees | Tip of Anna Maria Island |
| 3 Mile North Reef | 28 | 7.0 miles | 305 degrees | Longboat Pass |
| 7 Mile South Reef | 40 | 8.0 miles | 270 degrees | Longboat Pass |
| 7 Mile North Reef | 40 | 8.2 miles | 270 degrees | NW tip of Anna Maria Island |
| Anna Maria Ledge | 46 | 14.7 miles | 290 degrees | Longboat Pass |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Bearings come from four reference points: the Longboat Pass entrance, Longboat Pass, the NW tip of Anna Maria Island and the tip of Anna Maria Island. Set each waypoint from its own reference. 1 Mile Reef is listed in nm and the rest in miles. These figures are not for navigation, so plot them on a chart before you run.
Inside Reefs, 16 to 33 ft
Near Shore Reef is the closest structure, in 16 ft of water, 0.6 miles at 321 degrees from Longboat Pass. Next out are 3 Mile South Reef (30 ft, 3.5 miles at 270 degrees from Longboat Pass), 1 Mile Reef (25 ft, 4.3 nm at 320 degrees from the Longboat Pass entrance) and Gucken Reef (33 ft, 4.6 miles at 250 degrees from the tip of Anna Maria Island). 3 Mile North Reef sits in 28 ft, 7.0 miles at 305 degrees from Longboat Pass.
Outer Reefs and the Ledge, 40 to 46 ft
7 Mile South Reef sits in 40 ft, 8.0 miles at 270 degrees from Longboat Pass. 7 Mile North Reef is also in 40 ft, 8.2 miles at 270 degrees from the NW tip of Anna Maria Island. The two share a 270-degree bearing but are measured from different reference points.
Anna Maria Ledge is the deepest named structure, in 46 ft, 14.7 miles at 290 degrees from Longboat Pass. The 20 to 40+ mile charter trips run well past it.
How Gray Triggerfish Are Fished Out of Cortez
Gray triggerfish are taken by reef bottom fishing, in the snapper and grouper mix. For the wider bottom-fishing picture, see the reef fish guides. For biology, rigging and habits, read the gray triggerfish guide.
Conditions and the ANMF1 Station
The nearest NOAA station is NDBC station ANMF1 (Anna Maria, FL, 27.538N 82.739W). Confirm it is reporting before you rely on it, and check the official marine forecast for wind and wave numbers.
Who Fishes for Triggerfish Out of Cortez
Three Cortez operators list gray triggerfish.
Florida Fishing Fleet
The vessels named on the site are Savage Lady, Kingpin, Florida Man and Little Savage. The fleet runs 8-hour and 10-hour offshore trips.
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing
Eddy Lee Z deep sea trips run on a 62 ft US Coast Guard inspected vessel.
Reel Cortez Charters
Reel Cortez Charters fishing trips publish no captain names. Booking runs through H2O Watersportz.
FAQ About Gray Triggerfish Out of Cortez
How far do boats run from Cortez for gray triggerfish?
Florida Fishing Fleet’s 8-hour and 10-hour offshore trips run 20 to 40+ miles.
What is the deepest named structure near Cortez?
The Anna Maria Ledge sits in 46 ft, 14.7 miles at 290 degrees from Longboat Pass.
Which Cortez charters list gray triggerfish?
Florida Fishing Fleet, Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (Eddy Lee Z) and Reel Cortez Charters, which books through H2O Watersportz.
Is there a buoy near Cortez?
NDBC station ANMF1 sits at 27.538N 82.739W. Confirm it is reporting and use the official marine forecast.
How are gray triggerfish fished out of Cortez?
Gray triggerfish fishing out of Cortez is reef bottom fishing within the snapper and grouper mix.
Where are the triggerfish rules for Cortez?
They are on the Florida state regulations page. Federal Gulf reef fish rules apply on the far offshore runs.
