When amberjack are around Cortez
Greater amberjack fishing out of Cortez is available year-round, so the practical question is which ground to run to. Fishingbooker’s Cortez fishing guide lists amberjack and grouper as year-round species. Cortez is in Manatee County, and boats reach the Gulf through Longboat Pass. The Cortez port page covers the pass and the local water, and the greater amberjack species guide covers biology and general behavior. The rest of this guide covers where local boats run and what sits on the bottom between the pass and the ledge. The wider picture is in the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
How far boats run from Cortez
Florida Fishing Fleet’s 8-hour trip runs 20 to 30 miles offshore. A Double Trouble trip from Cortez reported amberjack in volume.
The named grounds in the next section sit between 0.6 and 14.7 miles from their reference points, well inside the 8-hour charter run. Most bearings are measured from the Longboat Pass entrance. The exceptions are 7 Mile North Reef, measured from the NW tip of Anna Maria Island, and Gucken Reef, measured from the tip of Anna Maria Island. All bearings are compass bearings.
- Inside 5 miles: Near Shore Reef, 3 Mile South Reef, 1 Mile Reef and Gucken Reef.
- 7 to 8 miles: 3 Mile North Reef, 7 Mile South Reef and 7 Mile North Reef.
- 14.7 miles: Anna Maria Ledge.
Grounds and structure near Longboat Pass
These are named reefs off Manatee County, including Manatee County’s artificial reef sites. The table lists each from nearest to farthest, with depth in feet, distance and compass bearing from its reference point.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Distance | Bearing (degrees) | Reference point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Near Shore Reef | 16 | 0.6 miles | 321 | Longboat Pass |
| 3 Mile South Reef | 30 | 3.5 miles | 270 | Longboat Pass |
| 1 Mile Reef | 25 | 4.3 nm | 320 | Longboat Pass entrance |
| Gucken Reef | 33 | 4.6 miles | 250 | Tip of Anna Maria Island |
| 3 Mile North Reef | 28 | 7.0 miles | 305 | Longboat Pass |
| 7 Mile South Reef | 40 | 8.0 miles | 270 | Longboat Pass |
| 7 Mile North Reef | 40 | 8.2 miles | 270 | NW tip of Anna Maria Island |
| Anna Maria Ledge | 46 | 14.7 miles | 290 | Longboat Pass |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Enter these bearings and distances as waypoints on your own plotter. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Reefs inside 5 miles
Near Shore Reef sits in 16 ft, 0.6 miles at 321 degrees from Longboat Pass. 3 Mile South Reef sits in 30 ft, 3.5 miles at 270 degrees from Longboat Pass. 1 Mile Reef sits in 25 ft, 4.3 nm at 320 degrees from the Longboat Pass entrance. Gucken Reef sits in 33 ft, 4.6 miles at 250 degrees from the tip of Anna Maria Island rather than the pass.
Reefs at 7 to 8 miles
3 Mile North Reef sits in 28 ft, 7.0 miles at 305 degrees from Longboat Pass. 7 Mile South Reef sits in 40 ft, 8.0 miles at 270 degrees from Longboat Pass. 7 Mile North Reef sits in 40 ft, 8.2 miles at 270 degrees from the NW tip of Anna Maria Island.
Both 7 Mile reefs are in 40 ft on a 270-degree bearing, but the bearings start from different reference points, so plot each from its own.
Anna Maria Ledge
Anna Maria Ledge sits in 46 ft, 14.7 miles at 290 degrees from Longboat Pass. It is the deepest and farthest named ground on this list, and it is still short of the 20 to 30 mile range of the Florida Fishing Fleet 8-hour trip.
How amberjack are fished out of Cortez
Local boats fish amberjack as part of the grouper and snapper mix rather than on a separate trip. For the general picture on reef trips, see the reef fish guides.
- Reef trips with grouper and snapper are the local format.
- Amberjack come as part of the same stops, not a dedicated run.
Who fishes for amberjack out of Cortez
Two local operators list greater amberjack.
Florida Fishing Fleet
Florida Fishing Fleet names four vessels on its site: Savage Lady, Kingpin, Florida Man and Little Savage. Its 8-hour trip runs 20 to 30 miles offshore.
Double Trouble Charters
Double Trouble Charters is based in Cortez. Captain Brian Alcorn has fished locally since 1992. A Double Trouble trip from Cortez reported amberjack in volume.
FAQ about greater amberjack fishing out of Cortez
Are amberjack around Cortez year-round?
Yes. Fishingbooker’s Cortez guide lists amberjack and grouper as year-round species.
How far do boats run from Cortez for amberjack?
Florida Fishing Fleet’s 8-hour trip runs 20 to 30 miles offshore. The named reefs sit 0.6 to 14.7 miles from Longboat Pass or Anna Maria Island.
What is the deepest named ground near Cortez?
Anna Maria Ledge, in 46 ft, 14.7 miles at 290 degrees from Longboat Pass.
Which Cortez charters list greater amberjack?
Florida Fishing Fleet (Savage Lady, Kingpin, Florida Man and Little Savage) and Double Trouble Charters, run by Captain Brian Alcorn, who has fished locally since 1992.
Where do I get conditions before running out of Longboat Pass?
NDBC station ANMF1 (Anna Maria, FL, 27.538N 82.739W) is listed, but its page shows no recent observations. Use the NWS Tampa Bay coastal forecast for wind, wave height and period.
