1 month ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Cortez, Florida, located on the Gulf Coast near Anna Maria Island, is a historic fishing village renowned for its productive inshore and nearshore waters. As fall arrives, local anglers and commercial crews gear up for a diverse array of species and the much-anticipated opening of stone crab season.
Weekly Catches
No verified catches in the last 7 days; the catches below cover the last 15 days.
Stone Crab
The stone crab season officially opened on October 15, with commercial and recreational crabbers actively setting and pulling traps in the waters off Cortez. Only claws measuring at least 2-7/8 inches may be harvested, and crabbers are reporting steady preparations despite bait shortages and market uncertainties. Fresh claws are expected to be available immediately following the opener, with hopes for a strong start to the season and improved shell quality compared to last year’s mixed harvest.
- Traps are being set throughout local waters, with commercial crews focusing on traditional grounds near Cortez.
- Regulations require that only one claw per crab may be taken, and egg-bearing females must be released.
- Recreational harvesters are limited to 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel per day, using up to five traps.
Spotted Seatrout
Spotted seatrout action has been consistent on the grass flats near Anna Maria Sound and Palma Sola Bay, both easily accessed from Cortez. Anglers are finding trout in sandy potholes within two to six feet of water, especially where seagrass is healthy. Light tackle and popping cork rigs with soft plastics or shrimp are producing steady bites, particularly at dawn.
- Best results are coming from shallow grass flats with sandy depressions.
- Effective baits include live shrimp and soft plastics under popping corks.
- Most trout are within the 15–19 inch slot, with occasional larger fish reported.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are returning in greater numbers to the area’s docks, bridges, and riprap, with the Cortez Bridge pilings being a reliable hotspot. These fish are targeting barnacles, oysters, and crabs on hard structure. Anglers using fiddler crabs, oyster crabs, and shrimp on small hooks are having success, though the bite remains subtle and requires patience.
- Concentrations are highest around barnacle-encrusted pilings and nearshore structure.
- Top baits are fiddler crabs and shrimp, presented on #1 or #2 short-shank hooks.
- Most fish are above the 12-inch minimum size, with some larger specimens mixed in.
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove snapper are active around the Cortez Road Bridge and other rocky or shaded structures. These wary feeders are responding best to small live or cut baits such as pilchards and squid, presented on light tackle with fluorocarbon leaders. Schools are holding tight to cover, especially where current and shade intersect.
- Bridges and rocky cover are producing the best action.
- Light tackle and stealthy presentations are key to fooling these intelligent fish.
- Most snapper are in the 10–14 inch range, with a five-fish bag limit in effect.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are blitzing bait balls along the passes and beaches near Cortez, especially during the ongoing mullet run. Anglers are finding fast action using silver spoons, epoxy jigs, and small plugs, with wire leaders necessary to prevent cutoffs from their sharp teeth. The most productive periods are during tidal movement when baitfish are concentrated.
- Hotspots include passes and nearshore beaches where bait is thick.
- Effective lures are silver spoons and small jigs; wire leaders are recommended.
- Fish are averaging 12–20 inches fork length, with a generous 15-fish bag limit.
Redfish, Snook, and Grouper
Recent trips in the Cortez area have yielded a mix of redfish, snook, and grouper, particularly for anglers targeting mangrove shorelines and deeper structure. While specific sizes were not reported, catches have been described as “solid” and “family-friendly,” with both live and artificial baits producing results.
- Redfish and snook are being caught under mangroves and along shallow flats.
- Grouper are coming from deeper rocky areas and bridge pilings.
- Live bait and soft plastics are both effective, depending on target species and location.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Fall weather in Cortez has brought stable conditions, with mild temperatures and light winds creating ideal opportunities for both inshore and nearshore fishing. Calm mornings are especially productive for topwater action on the flats, while afternoons may see increased wind and chop. Anglers should monitor local forecasts for sudden changes, especially as cold fronts become more frequent later in the season.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Recent tidal cycles have featured moderate highs and lows, with the best fishing activity aligning with moving water during incoming and outgoing tides. Major bite windows are occurring around sunrise and sunset, coinciding with peak solunar periods. Harbors, marina entrances, and river mouths near Cortez are productive during these tidal transitions, as baitfish and predators move with the current.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
Anglers targeting spotted seatrout and redfish should focus on grass flats and sandy potholes during early morning or late afternoon. For sheepshead and mangrove snapper, concentrate efforts around bridges, docks, and rocky structure using natural baits and light tackle. When pursuing Spanish mackerel, look for surface activity and diving birds to locate feeding schools, and use fast-moving lures with wire leaders to avoid bite-offs.
Regulations & Notices
The stone crab season is now open, with strict regulations in place for both commercial and recreational harvesters. Only claws measuring at least 2-7/8 inches may be taken, and egg-bearing females must be released immediately. Recreational anglers must register their traps annually and adhere to daily bag limits. For all species, anglers are reminded to check current size and bag limits, as well as any seasonal closures, before heading out. Conservation-minded practices, such as releasing oversized or out-of-season fish and minimizing handling of undersized catches, are encouraged to support the health of local fisheries.
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