WHAT TO EXPECT

On every trip, you can expect to find a highly knowledgeable and accommodating crew to make your journey aboard the American Patriot an enjoyable and memorable one. They know when it’s time to relax and take a load off, and when it’s time to fish hard.  You can expect to have a relaxing and exhilarating trip of a lifetime that is sure to exceed all of your expectations.

Upon Departure:

On the day of your departure, please arrive at the dock two hours early.  This will allow you time to check in, board the vessel, and get settled in.  As the boat leaves the port, the Captain and crew will have an orientation to introduce everyone, go over safety equipment and outline what to expect for the duration of your trip. Depending on the length of the trip, the first 8-12 hours may be spent traveling to your destination, trolling along the way.  Once you reach your destination, expect to have world-class fishing!

Meals:

American Patriot customers can expect three delicious meals daily, professionally prepared by our expert chef.  Before dinner, relax and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and expect fresh fruit, snacks, soft serve ice cream & beverages to be available in the lounge at all times. It is our number one goal to make you feel at home and as comfortable as possible, so please do not hesitate to ask the crew for anything you might need.

Mother Nature:

Keep in mind that you are traveling through Mother Natures’ unpredictable forces, so expect changes in the weather and sea conditions.  While the American Patriot is equipped with a wide beam and stable platform, we recommend that you take the necessary precautions and come prepared with the seasick remedy of your choice. The American Patriot is equipped with all of the luxuries of home, however, we want everyone to have an enjoyable fishing experience, and so we ask you to please check the weather forecast for your time frame and pack accordingly. Also, see What to Bring.

What to Bring

Beyond the fantastic fishing, customers aboard our vessel can relax in the most comfortable and spacious lounge ever to be enjoyed by long-range anglers. For its comforts and conveniences, the American Patriot is unsurpassed.

Fishermen aboard our boat will find ample room along the rails, more space for tackle storage, and more bait-carrying capacity than any other long-range boat. Rental tackle is available or brings your own gear aboard to battle the giant grouper, queen snapper, Mahi, wahoo, and other big game species.  If you are a avid angler who demands the best from a multi-day fishing vacation in the Florida, the American Patriot is for you!

New to fishing? We’ve got you covered!

For the first-time fisherman or the out-of-town visitor to Southern Florida, we offer rental packages of tackle and gear specifically suited for long-range fishing. All gear is in excellent condition and reasonably priced.  We also carry terminal tackle appropriate to the trip length on board the American Patriot at a discounted price. Available for purchase here!

While the American Patriot has all of the modern-day amenities of home, we have compiled lists of suggested gear and tackle to bring along. When deciding what to bring aboard the American Patriot, please refer to our suggestions.

Suggested Gear

What to Bring:

• Duffle Bags– Considered best for storage and for dirty laundry.
• Pillow & Blanket– The bunk room is cold so make sure to bring a pillow or sleeping bag.
• Foot Wear– Short boots are best. They will keep your feet dry. Tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes for the travel days. If you choose to fish in tennis shoes, please bring a couple of pair.
• Sun Glasses– Polarized to cut the glare.  A neck strap is recommended to keep from losing over board.
• Toiletries– Bath towels, shampoo, soap, razor, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.
• Sun Protection– Sunscreen: Water proof and broad spectrum type, Hat(s) preferably any wide brim hat or foreign legion/sunbuster style.  Some prefer baseball caps.
• Fishing and Deck Items– Cross cutting pliers (dykes), needle nose pliers and or duck bill pliers.
• Rod Belts and Harness– Personal choice depending on what is most comfortable to you.
• Camera & Film– Make sure you have a supply of film or memory cards and batteries or chargers.  Cordless video recorders are also welcome.  The voltage in the galley is 110 volts, so you can recharge your items.
• Entertainment– Travel time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on that favorite book you’ve been waiting to read. Board games and cards can be a great way to spend the evenings. There is DIRECTV in the lounge area.
• Sea Sick Remedies and Personal Medications– Check with your physician or local pharmacist for preferred methods of seasickness prevention. There are several over-the-counter products that are very effective (Transderm patches are back and they appear to be very successful!) Cough & Cold medicine is also a good thing to bring just in case. And don’t forget a full supply of personal medications you are currently taking. 
• Clothing:
• Shorts– Bring a change for each day.  Light material is best.
• Shirts– You may need 1 or 2 each day.  If you are sun sensitive, long sleeves are recommended. Light fabric for quick drying and coolness in warm weather.  Sweatshirts are handy for nights and cool weather.
• Socks– The more the better.  At least 1 pair per day.
• Pants– For staying warm in the bunk room.  Remember, we keep the bunk room at 68 degrees.
• Underwear – Dont forget them!
• Outerwear- Even though the days are warm, the evenings can be cool and breezy.  At least 1 jacket and 1 sweatshirt are recommended for those cool fishing nights and cooler weather. A light rain suit should be packed. You will probably not need it, but nice to have just in case you do.
• Rain Gear
• Cooler– For your catch after the trip

Dry Tortugas

7 – 8 ft. 50 lb. Conventional rod with a Diawa Saltiga 50 or equivalent with 50 lb mono or braid
7 – 8 ft 30 lb. Conventional rod with a Diawa Saltiga 40 with 30 lb mono or braid
7ft or equivalent with ft. 20 lb. Spinning rod

Small cooler for any specialty items you want. (Adult beverages) Two small coolers per person no larger than 19H x 35L
Personal cooler for your catch after the trip (Please keep this cooler in your car until we return)
Circle Hooks: 5/0, 7/0

Egg sinkers: 4, 6, 8 & 10 oz 

Fluro carbon leader 50, 80 & 100LB

Beads & Swviels 

Personal cooler for your catch after the trip (Please keep this cooler in your car until we return)
Circle Hooks: 5/0, 7/0

Slow Pitch/Vertical Jigging

We allow slow pitch & vertical jigging on all our long-range trips. Torpedo & flat back style jigs work the best, shop our list of preferred vendors below with their favorite colors. Check out some of our favorite SPJ combos and links to purchase each.

Johnnyjigs.com

Killa Slow Jigs

JYG Pro

Pulley Ridge Daytime/Deep Drops Recommended Tackle

Reels-

If you are going to utilize electric/power assist reels for daytime deep dropping in 600-1000 ft. of water (highly recommended) the Daiwa Seaborg 800/1200 or the Shimano Beastmaster, loaded with 50 lb test braid. We have Tanacom 1000 rentals through Reel Play Fishing Rentals at an additional cost.

Two-speed reels are a solid option as they provide both speed and torque. If you would like to fish with a hand crank reel then we can recommend-

– Accurate BV 500 or 600

-Shimano Talica 16

Manual conventional reels should be loaded with 50 lb. test braid with a 50 lb. test monofilament top shot.

Stay away from heavy braided lines like 80 – 200 lb. test. This is way too heavy and will require you to fish too much lead to hold the bottom.

While (1) fully charged deep cycle 12 V group 27 marine battery is likely enough. Also, if possible bring an extra power cord and/or make sure your current power cord works seamlessly with your battery in regards to alligator clips or plugs. Please be able to disconnect quickly. Alligator clips are best. You need to be mobile!

If you have a Diawa Tanacom please purchase an extra power cord. These cords are very fragile and fail all the time and yours will too. Please be prepared.

Rods-

8’0″ rated for nothing less than 30-60 lb. line.  We recommend 7-8 feet because of the platform you fishing off of. You want something with enough backbone to handle three pounds of lead and a big fish, yet still, be light/comfortable enough to hold all day long and have a soft enough tip to detect strikes. 

Bait-

Daytime-

Prime daytime baits include white California squid . This is included in the price but you are welcome to bring your own bait if you choose.

Hooks-

We highly recommend you tie your rigs instead of crimps. It is much easier with tangles. 

You will need the following:

– 6/0 circle hooks

– 7/0 circle hooks

–NO MORE THAN TWO HOOK CHICKEN RIGS

Lead-

Count on fishing 2 lbs of lead (32 oz), sometimes 3 or 4 lb. sash weights are required depending on conditions, but 2 lbs. is typically what we will be using. 

– Two Pound Leads

– Three Pound Leads

– Four Pound Leads

We suggest 4 of each size lead.