B737Capt

I'm taking my Dad on the Florida Fish Finder party boat for a two day Dry Tortugas fishing trip on July 10th. Neither my Dad or myself has ever done this kind of a trip and I was wondering if anyone that has done one of these trips could offer any advice or insight for this kind of a trip? Any tackle or bait recommendations? Anything that would make the trip that much more enjoyable? Thanks in advance!

JakoMako

Took one years ago and had a lot of fun. Got 'fishing' out of my blood for about a month after that trip. Seemed the regulars vie for the spots on the stern and didn't like to be encroached upon. Maybe some others will have some suggestions on where to pick your spot. The gear they provided was OK but others brought their own boat rods. If you got em bring them along with plenty of bottom rigs. Take plenty of sunscreen, a good hat and have a blast

Prop Blast

I've done the trip on the Yankee Capts, not the boat you're using. Not sure what their package is; bait/food/drink,...

1. Tackle. If you're bottom fishing, you're base rig should be a 40lbs set up. Most head boats DON'T allow braided lines, so spool your reels with fresh mono. From the 40lbs set up, I'd bring a 30lbs and then a 50lbs or a 20lbs spinning rig for freelining live bait. That 40lbs set up should be on an 8' rod -- you want the additional length to keep your line away from the side of the boat.

2. Bait -- fresh dead bait is better than frozen. Fresh ballyhoo cut in half is fine. So are pinfish and goggle eyes. You can buy them at The Little Yellow Bait House in Key Largo.

3. Drink plenty of water/gatorade... NOT Soda or Beer. You will dehydrate. Bring snacks/food to keep you going between meals.

4. Sunblock often and bring a couple of hats in case you loose one.

5. Bring some wintergreen scented alchol to sanitize minor cuts. Twice a day, pour a little on your hands and rub them. You'll be amazed and the stings and killing the bateria that will infest you from the bait to the line cuts, ...

have a great time,

PB