Cortez, Manatee County, FL
Sunny
·
83°F
·
Feels 92°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Pattern day — fish are predictable. Work structure and watch the feeding windows.
80-150lb mono leader with crimps
Tarpon require heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders; their mouths are tough and bony
Classic rootbeer-colored DOA shrimp imitation
Flats standard — works everywhere for redfish, permit, seatrout
Gold spoon with fiber weed guard
Essential flats tool — triggers redfish and permit around grass
10lb braid + 20lb fluorocarbon leader
Perfect flats combo — lightweight, sensitive, and powerful
Local Fishing Resource
Everything you need to fish one of Florida's greatest inshore fisheries
Open the Tampa Bay Area Cheat Sheet
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Stage in the shadow lines at Cortez Bridge on outgoing tides. Live pilchards or pinfish free-lined on 30 lb fluorocarbon.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Stack under Cortez Bridge at night. Drop live shrimp or small pilchards on light tackle to the pilings.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Every piling at Cortez Bridge holds sheepshead. Work fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/4-oz jig right on the barnacles.
Pogonias cromis
Large drum species found in estuaries. Can reach impressive sizes.
Local Notes: Hold at the base of the pilings at Cortez Bridge. Large pieces of shrimp or blue crab on bottom.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the current seams at Cortez Bridge, especially on falling tides. Gold spoons and live shrimp.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Rip through Cortez Bridge during bait migrations. Silver spoons at a fast clip.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Work the flats adjacent to Cortez Bridge with live baits or DOA Shrimp, especially at first light.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: Roll under the bridge at Cortez Bridge during migrations. Live crabs and large mullet free-lined in the current.
