This is a reference for red grouper fishing out of Cortez on your own boat. It covers the structure off Longboat Pass, the distances the local fleet runs, and who lists red grouper from this port. The pass and the port itself are covered in the Cortez port guide. For the wider coast, see the red grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
When red grouper are around Cortez
Local operators list red grouper trips year-round. Biology and general timing are in the red grouper species guide. For season and closure questions, see the Regulations section below.
How far boats run for red grouper
By operator listing, the local fleet’s red grouper trips run from 9 miles to 40+ miles offshore, in three bands.
9 to 17 miles
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing lists red grouper on its 9 to 17 mile trips.
20 to 30 miles
Florida Fishing Fleet lists red grouper on its 8-hour trip, which runs 20 to 30 miles.
40 miles and beyond
Florida Fishing Fleet lists red grouper on its 10-hour trip, which runs 40+ miles. The named structure below reaches only about 15 miles, so the fleet’s longest red grouper runs go well past it.
Reefs and ledges near Longboat Pass
The table lists the named grounds and structure near Cortez, nearest to farthest. The 7 Mile reefs, at about 8 miles, sit just inside the 9 to 17 mile band, and Anna Maria Ledge at 14.7 miles falls within it.
Bearings and distances are reference points, not for navigation. Run from a chart.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Distance | Bearing | 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.
The 1 Mile Reef distance is in nautical miles. Gucken Reef and 7 Mile North Reef are measured from Anna Maria Island, not the pass.
Inshore reefs (16 to 33 ft)
Near Shore Reef sits 0.6 miles off the pass in 16 ft. The 1 Mile, 3 Mile and Gucken reefs lie within about 7 miles, in 25 to 33 ft.
7 Mile reefs and Anna Maria Ledge (40 to 46 ft)
Both 7 Mile reefs sit in 40 ft at 270 degrees, about 8 miles out. Anna Maria Ledge is the deepest named structure, at 46 ft and 14.7 miles, inside the 9 to 17 mile band the fleet runs.
How red grouper are fished here
Locally, red grouper are taken by reef bottom fishing, along with the rest of the grouper and snapper mix. Operator sites describe no separate method. For rigs and the regional picture, see the reef fish guides.
Who fishes red grouper out of Cortez
These local charters list red grouper. Their trips show how far the fleet runs and which boats work this water.
Florida Fishing Fleet
Florida Fishing Fleet trips run aboard Savage Lady, Kingpin, Florida Man and Little Savage. Red grouper are listed on the 8-hour trip (20 to 30 miles) and the 10-hour trip (40+ miles).
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing runs Eddy Lee Z, a 62 ft US Coast Guard inspected vessel. Red grouper are listed on its 9 to 17 mile trips.
Double Trouble Charters
The Double Trouble Charters page lists Captain Brian Alcorn, who has fished locally since 1992.
Nearest buoy
The nearest NDBC station is ANMF1, Anna Maria (27.538N 82.739W). Its page has shown no recent data.
FAQ: red grouper out of Cortez
Is red grouper fishing out of Cortez year-round?
Local operators list red grouper trips year-round. For seasons and closures, see the Regulations section above.
How far do boats run for red grouper?
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing lists red grouper on 9 to 17 mile trips. Florida Fishing Fleet lists them on its 8-hour trip (20 to 30 miles) and its 10-hour trip (40+ miles).
What is the deepest named structure near Longboat Pass?
Anna Maria Ledge, at 46 ft and 14.7 miles on a bearing of 290 degrees from Longboat Pass. These are reference points, so run from a chart.
Which local boats list red grouper?
Florida Fishing Fleet lists Savage Lady, Kingpin, Florida Man and Little Savage. Cortez Deep Sea Fishing lists Eddy Lee Z. Captain Brian Alcorn runs Double Trouble Charters.
Where are the rules for red grouper?
See the Regulations section above. Check both state and federal rules before you fish, since the fleet’s longer runs can cross into federal water.
