FAQ's
Booking Questions
It is highly recommended to make a reservation whether by our online booking system or by
calling the booking booth at (850) 837-1293. It is very important for the captain and crew to
know how many anglers they will be working with prior to the trip. During the summer months it
is imperative that you make reservations to have a spot on the boat. Walk ups are always
welcome, but it is not a guarantee you or your group will have a spot on the trip without
reservations.
We ask that all passengers arrive 30 minutes before the trip is scheduled to depart. This
ensures a timely departure as some times we do multiple trips a day and have a schedule to
adhere too. And it gives time for unexpected delays to be handled in an efficient manner.
Please review our “Where to Park” page for comprehensive information where to park, cost
of parking, and how we can discount your parking fee.
The American Spirit accepts cash and all major credit cards. If you do use a card of any type
to complete your transaction the processor automatically adds a 4% service charge to the total.
The American Spirit has a 48-hour cancelation policy.
You should dress adequate for the temperature of the season you are there. In the cooler
months it is always wise to bring a jacket. Cool temperatures and wind especially while the boat
is moving can be quite chilly. Fishing is a full contact sport so good footwear is always a
necessity.
We do allow coolers on board the American Spirit. We ask that they be less than 60qts as deck
space is limited. We also request all beverages be in cans or plastic bottles, not glass.
You are welcome to bring food and drinks on board, but if you do not want to pack a lunch,
we have everything you will need. The American Spirit has a full galley on board. Doing
breakfast sandwiches, burgers and dogs, sodas and water, snacks, and candy.
If you are concerned you may get seasick or are susceptible to motion sickness it would be
good to take medicine to prevent or mitigate being sick on the boat. Dramamine or Bonine are
two well-known brands. Make sure you pick up one of these or similar medicines the day before
your trip. Read the labels and use as directed. Most of the medicines direct you to take a pill
before bed the night before so the medicine is in your system the next day as well as a dose in the
morning. Please make sure these medications do not interfere with any other medications you
may be taking, and you should consult your physician before taking anything you have not taken
or are unsure of its effects.
That is called a Private Charter, and information for pricing and requirements are found on the
“Schedule and Pricing” page of our website.
During and Post Trip Questions
It depends on which trip you take. But in general: 4-hour trip – 10-12 miles, 6-hour trip – 15-
18 miles, 8-hour trip – 20-26 miles, 10-hour trip – 25-30+ miles.
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.
*Rod and reels lost over board are the responsibility of the angler, and a $250.00 charge will be assessed for lost rod and reels.*
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%
If you have any questions not covered by this section, please feel free to contact our staff to get
the answers you need! (850) 837-1293
