A general rule of thumb is half riding and half fishing. For example, 4-hour trip (1 hour
riding, 2 hours fishing, 1 hour riding). It is a rule of thumb, and it can vary depending on what is
being targeted and which direction we go. We find a balance on getting where we need to go and
still have adequate fishing time.

This depends on the trip you take most trips the American Spirit fishes in waters from 60-150
feet, but on some of the longer trips it is not unheard of to fish in up to 300 feet of water. There
are many factors that determine the depth of the water. It could be anything from weather, time
of year, to species targeted.

The American Spirit is a “party boat” or “head boat” which means everyone who has a fishing
pass will get to fish at the same time around the boat. We are a deep-sea bottom fishing boat that
fishes for reef fish. Some of the species we fish for are Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper,
Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish, Vermillion Snappers, Gray Snappers, Lane Snappers, and
various other types of porgies and other reef fish. We do occasionally troll a lure while the boat is
traveling for King Mackerel, Wahoo, and some types of tunas, but the focus of our effort is on
“reef fishing”. All these species are federally managed and have open and closed seasons, daily
bag limits, and size limits. The American Spirit adheres to all federal fishery laws without
exception

YES! The American Spirit has large fish holds and uses a system of stringers to ensure your
fish are separated from the others. After the first stop you will be asked to bring your fish to the
back of the boat where the crew members will assign a stringer number to your group. They will
write this number down on the back of your boarding pass. Depending on the season they will
request you bring all your passes back to them to account for how many people will be using the
stringer. You will need that boarding pass with your groups stringer number on it to have your
fish strung and to claim your fish once we get back to the dock.

The crew will set up a fish cleaning service once back at the dock where they do it for tips. It
is a separate service than what is provided on the boat. Most places charge by the pound to clean
your fish, anywhere from $.50 to a $1.00 a pound, the crew just does it for tips. Or you can take
your fish home whole and do them yourself.

Everything is included! With the price of your fishing ticket, it gives you access to use of one
of our rod and reels and tackle, cut bait for the extent of the fishing trip, and your license is
covered by being on the vessel.

You are welcome to bring your own rod and reel and tackle, but you will need to check with
the crew to have it evaluated to ensure that it is adequate. Not all tackle is equal, and we need to
make sure your tackle is able to withstand the rigors of the type of fishing we do.

The American Spirit uses freshly cut Squid and Northern/Boston Mackerel as cut bait

Tips for the mates is customarily 15-20%