American Patriot Sportfishing, American Hunter Grouper Fest

[@annwelter6869]

Good evening Charlie! You do such a nice job with these videos. It’s so nice to see the different types of fish to catch and boy are they big so interesting! you sure do fish deep to catch these fish? I enjoyed the little boy fishing with you. I’m sure he had a fun time. He certainly will remember that trip for a lifetime!

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

The little boy was the Captain's son and he helps out around the boat. Like his Dad, he will grow up on a fishing boat.

[@charliehong6220]

I really missed fishing with Captain Ralph. Greatest captain I fish with for long-time. One of these day .join him go grouper hunting.

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

Agree, Ralph is one of the best.

[@anakinskywalker4371]

Great video! Have to get on that boat some day!

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

Going again next weekend, hope to see some black grouper.

[@jamiefowler4983]

Well done Charlie. Looks like you and Ken had another great trip. Can't wait to hear all about it at the meeting next month.

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

It was pretty special. Was not expecting that black grouper haul.

[@trevonhensley6765]

@@PrydeofTheVillages did people troll on the way out and back?

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

No, unlike the American Patriot, the American Hunter rod holders are mounted at the bottom of the rail. To troll you would have to bring a rod holder that you could attach to the stern top rail and nobody did that. Also they never troll on the way back, that is when the mates are cleaning the decks and everyone else is sleeping.

[@trevonhensley6765]

@@PrydeofTheVillages but you are allowed to correct?

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

No one trolled on our trip, but I assume you could. Best to call the American Hunter and ask.

[@eddsonmartinez4009]

Any issues using braid and top mono? I'm going with them soon and I'm talking of 50 braid with top mono

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

No issues with braid and mono top shot as that's pretty much the standard. If you do get into those really large black groupers (40 lbs+) you will want go heavier on you leader material and larger circle hooks.

[@manuelfuertes5875]

Awesome

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

Thanks!

[@user-Willyarlaski]

If you bring a clamp on rod holder for the rail on the Hunter what size would you need ?

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

The top rail is flat, not tubular and I'm not sure on the dimensions. Best to give the Hunter a call [phone] or email message on their website and ask for a recommendation.

[@joyhutto6265]

Hi Charlie! We always enjoy your videos-living your best life! I don’t know much about fishing, but enjoy learning through your videos. Question-what do you guys do with all of the fish you catch? Seems like way more than you and Jennifer could eat, but it has to be delish!

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

For my portion, we give most of it to friends/neighbors here in The Villages. Fresh caught Gulf snapper and grouper can cost up to $35 a pound in seafood markets, so they greatly appreciate it.

[@Hellmuthsilva]

What reel should I use for those trips and size of rod thanks.

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

For the Dry Tortugas I use a Shimano Torium 30 Star Drag Conventional Reel with 50lb braid fitted on a Diawa Proteus 8 ft rod. Besides the 50lb outfit I also bring a 30lb outfit which is a Penn GTI 320 on an Ugly Stick 7' 6" rod.

[@eddsonmartinez4009]

What set up and pound line did you catch those groupers

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

We were mostly overmatched as only about 50% of hookups were landed. Most guys had 50lb braid and mono leader with 5/0 hooks. Captain said a 2-speed conventional reel with 50lb line, 125lb leader, 9/0 circle hook would have been ideal. Note that I have been on the 3-day Dry Tortugas trip several times and that trip was the only time we got into the large black groupers. Best to bring a variety of rod/reel setups.

[@SamLastinger]

What time of year was this?

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

December

[@aaronorr6401]

What's the average cost for a 5 day trip

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

The American Hunter does not conduct 5 day trips, only 3 day ($895) or 4 day ($1495) trips for the Dry Tortugas. The American Patriot conducts 5 day trips and price depends on where it is fishing and whether it is a full load or limited load of anglers.

[@aaronorr6401]

Price for that trip???$$$

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

3 Day Dry Tortugas trip on the American Hunter is $895 through this year. Not sure what next year prices will be.

[@mattsnookman34224]

Is this the American patriot or American hunter?

[@PrydeofTheVillages]

This video is on the American Hunter (75' long). American Patriot is double this size (135'). Maximum 12 fisherman on American Hunter for 3-day Dry Tortugas trip. Same trip on the American Patriot is 30 fishermen. I published three other videos on the American Patriot (2 on Dry Tortugas and 1 on Pulley Ridge).