American Hunter Fishing | Marco Island Long Range Fishing

American Hunter runs Marco Island multi-day fishing trips from Rose Marina aboard a custom head boat built for smaller groups. With just 12 bunks, she’s the more intimate sister ship to the 135-foot American Patriot, and Captain Ralph’s crew takes anglers to the Dry Tortugas and Pulley Ridge on three- and four-day trips year-round.

The Boat

The operator describes the American Hunter as a 75-by-20-foot custom head boat powered by twin 600-hp John Deere diesels. She carries Simrad plotters, Furuno radar, AIS and a satellite phone. Below are 12 bunks, two heads and two showers. The lounge seats up to 30 with a TV and sound system, and the galley has a fridge, freezer, griddle, air fryer and crock pot.

Trips

• Dry Tortugas: departs 3 pm and returns the morning of the third day, with a 6- to 10-hour ride out. Expect mutton, yellowtail and mangrove snapper, grouper, cobia, amberjack and kingfish.
• Pulley Ridge: departs 6 pm and returns the morning of the fourth day, giving you two to three full days on the deep-drop grounds for snowy and yellowedge grouper, blackfin and queen snapper. Electric reels or deep slow-pitch jigging setups are strongly recommended.
• Private charters: day trips, multi-day trips, team-building events, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and burials at sea.

Check the online schedule for open dates and current fares. Boarding begins one hour before departure.

What’s Included

Rod-and-reel combos are provided at no charge, and live bait is included in the charter price; the boat has two live wells. Electric reels can be rented through Reel Play Fishing Rentals. Jiggers fish from the bow and bait anglers from the stern. Fish cleaning is $45 on 3-day trips and $65 on 4-day trips, however many fish you bring home. Ice isn’t provided on board, so buy it at the marina, and bring a cooler that fits under the bench (19 by 30 inches).

Booking Policies

Cancel at least 30 days ahead for a full refund. Between 30 and 7 days out you can rebook to a future trip, and inside 7 days the fare is forfeited. Weather cancellations are rebooked to a future date, with notice at least 48 hours before overnight trips. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm.

Book Marco Island Multi-Day Fishing Trips

Call (239) 682-9402 or book through the American Hunter website. Want a bigger boat? See the American Patriot, or browse our long-range fishing directory.