He pilots an Alumitech commercial 17-passenger airboat powered by a 502 Chevy engine in the beautiful wetlands of Florida. He has always enjoyed sharing this beauty and information about Florida wildlife to his eco-tour guests.
“I relocated to Florida in 2003 after selling my bait shop; I managed the marina at the Mission Inn Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, and ran a cruise boat for a while. In 2007, during the economic downturn, I was laid off and had no prospects on the horizon for work. During that time, I decided to add another endorsement to my captain's license.
“While attending a class at Sea School in St. Petersburg, I noticed a flyer by the break area advertising ‘Airboat captains needed in Kissimmee.’ At that point, I had never operated an airboat, and I was terrified, but I needed to work, so I applied. Surprisingly, they hired me, and I was blessed to have the late Jeff Breisinger take me under his wing, despite being a ‘Yankee,’ and he taught me the safe and intelligent way to operate an airboat. I am forever grateful for Jeff's guidance,” stated Ruggeri .
“I primarily guide at Boggy Creek, but I visit many different locations in Florida and can guide the best locations by vehicle, and I'm always up for an adventure,” shared Ruggeri .
Spending so much time in the marshes has provided Patrick with a wonderful opportunity to capture some beautiful and unique moments on camera. He uses a Nikon mirrorless Z7II with a workhorse 500mm prime telephoto lens.
Denne historien er fra May - June 2024-utgaven av Airboating Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May - June 2024-utgaven av Airboating Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Poker Run to Help a Friend
A few of my friends reached out to me, the manager at Jolly Gator Fish Camp, needing help to raise money for Eddie aka \"Peanut\" Scott for a kidney transplant. We jumped into action. With not much time, we planned an airboat poker run for October 5, 2024.
OSCEOLA AIRBOAT ASSOCIATION 2024 STOMP THE SWAMP
Stomp in the Swamp event on September 21, 2024, at Joe Overstreet in Kenansville, Florida, was a blast. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the day to enjoy the music, raffles and BBQ.
A Hidden Gem on the Platte River
Nestled deep in the heart of Nebraska, lies one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets, the Platte River.
The Beauty After the Storm
We all know in Florida it is too often a battle of not enough water so can't ride areas or they are closed or too much water and areas and/or boat ramps are closed. Well after two back-to-back hurricanes (Helene and Milton), there is certainly no shortage of water.
Stepping Up to Help Those in Need
Normally, Capt. Joshua Mattson owner of Airboat and Gator Charters out of Tedder's Fish Camp in DeLeon Springs, Florida, would have been doing tours all last month on the St. Johns River on his Diamondback airboat. They do eco airboat tours and provide gator hunts, fishing and bowfishing charters.
Finally Able to Alligator Hunt with my Lifelong Friend
Several years ago my lifelong and good friend Robert and I were having a conversation when the topic of hunting came up.
Three Generations Hunting Together
It took three years for this hunt to finally happen, as things in life sometimes can change our plans.
Nothing Beats a Good Challenge
Each year I lead guided trips in some of the most pressured gator waters in southern Georgia and use only archery equipment and my airboat to accomplish it. I love all things archery and a good challenge. I have owned airboats all my adult life and travel across the U.S. competing in bowfishing tournaments.
We've Come A Long Way Since Our First Gator Hunting Adventure
When I first met Amanda, she had never been on an airboat before, and I had never even driven one.
Tagged Out for 2024 Gator Hunting Season in Florida
Along with being a professional photographer for weddings, graduations, family portraits and more, I am also a mother of a great family. Together, we enjoy boating, fishing, airboating and hunting.
