Fins 'n Feathers Fleet

Release

A 37’ Merritt built in 1961 by Buddy Merritt himself. He called the 37 “THE PERFECT FISHING BOAT” and built her with one purpose in mind…to raise and catch fish. Since hull number 8 was launched she was kept as a private yacht in Stuart, Florida. In 1999, she was meticulously restored and repowered with twin 350 hp Yanmar Diesels giving her a 24 knot cruising speed.

Hosting up to five anglers, Release is the Queen of the fleet. Set up in the classic day boat style, that means plenty of comfortable seating in the shade but not out of the action. Forward of the salon and below are the head and galley where our mates prepare delicious snacks and hot lunches. Release’s open teak cockpit and clean wake make her truly a “World Class” fishing machine. Her ability to back down at high speeds and spin on a dime make catching doubles, triples and quads seem easy. The combination of it all makes her the ultimate fly fishing boat!

On March 11, 2006 the Release set the new one day record for sailfish caught fly fishing - 57

Intensity

Launched in 1993 and immaculately maintained, the 37’ Gamefisherman has almost 900 HP of diesel power and the capability of real speed to maximize your fishing time!

Up to five anglers will enjoy an unforgettable day aboard Central America’s most famous game boat. A longtime member of the Fin ‘n Feathers fleet, she is an incredible fish raiser.

Pelagian

A truly exceptional example of the Rybovich day boat, the company that invented the modern day sport fisherman. This classic has been fully restored including new Cat Diesels in 2005. This 1961 37’ offers the same day boat style that the traditionalist demand.

Pelagian has always been one of Fins ‘n Feathers best fish raisers and most requested boats. She has held the record for most billfish caught in a single season for two years running. The Pelagian fishes up to five anglers in comfort.

Cañaso

This 37’ sportfisher was built in 1967 by Daytona Boat Works. Designed by renowned naval architect Bob Sherbert and powered by twin Yanmar Diesels, Cañaso has the speed and range to find the fish first.

Cañaso has plenty of seating both in the airconditioned salon or on the bridge for the ultimate view of the bait and switch. She is Fins ‘n Feathers most comfortable boat. The Cañaso can fish five anglers in luxury.

Spindrift

This 38’ STOLPER 380 Tournament Express is the essence of no-compromise fishing machine. Powered by twin Cummins Diesels, Spindrift has been engineered to have a low-frequency hull signature said to attract fish.

Nany

43’ Merritt powered by a pair of 2007 6C Cummins. Built in 1974 as the Sansouri, It was later sold to Capt. Joe Lopez, who named it Prowess and in turn, led Maudi Lopez to her 1,073-pound Atlantic blue marlin record in 1982 off St. Thomas. Next the boat was called the Buddy Boy and today she is the Nany and can fish five anglers in style

Tackle and Services

You can expect a complete selection of top quality tackle and equivalent service on all Fins ‘N Feathers’ boats. The standard tackle used, unless your preference would be otherwise, is 20 lb line used with High Speed Shimano Tyrnos 20's. Whether you prefer fly, ultra light, conventional or spin, the crew and equipment will satisfy your every need. The boats, besides sporting high-end tackle, hold bait coolers full of locally caught ballyhoo.

Because of the great numbers of fish you’ll see here, it’s an excellent opportunity to go for a billfish on fly rod. This is now the fastest growing segment of the saltwater scene and all Fins ‘N Feathers boats have the full fly tackle arsenal at the ready. Captains are accomplished in the necessary boat maneuvering, while the crews are eager and experienced in teaser techniques. All boats have had days in which at least 15 billfish have been released with the fly rod! Their skills are equally polished in light tackle and multiple hook-up procedures as well.

While 20lb general tackle is the standard, all boats have a rigged 80lb rig ready to pitch to the occasional "beast". Of course, crews are always happy to rig your own tackle if you’d like to bring it.