Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience 

4.9/5 (88 reviews)
  Recent reports
 
Federally permitted
 Overseas Highway 11833, Marathon, FL 33050, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

There's a fish with your name on it in Marathon and Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience will help you catch it!

Boat is a 31 Stamas, a very sturdy comfortable vessel with (private bathroom) onboard. Wheelchair accessible with plenty of room to move around. Service animals are welcome too!

Wet Tails Charters was created to share our knowledge of offshore fishing in the Florida Keys with you! Not only do we offer charter fishing services, but in our off time, you'll often find us fun fishing with our friends and family. Fishing is in our blood!

Around here, it's common to catch Snapper, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Grouper, and more, depending on the time of year. On these trips, the captain will take you for a short ride into the Great Florida Reef, where you'll be bottom fishing and/or trolling in the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys to hook your fish.

Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome!  Some essentials to bring are snacks, drinks, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.  ( Bathroom equipped! )

Ed Traylor

Captain

Ed Traylor

 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $895 
4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
Price for up to 6 people
US $895 
6 Hr Nearshore Reef/Wreck
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,095 
6hr Offshore Big Game
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,395 
8 Hr Offshore Big Game
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,595 
10hr Offshore Big Game
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,795 
There are 23 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 88 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (101)

Amazing Experience!
Amazing Experience!
Best Experience as a First Timer!
+98

Angler rating

81
5
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

94%

Appropriate for children

94%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

98%

Showing 1 - 5 of 88 reviews
Mark K.
Mark K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fishing was slow, but crew was exceptional.

VERIFIED

4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (PM) on March 3, 2025

The weather wasn't cooperating for great fishing weather (fairly windy), so we weren't able to go to the location that was planned and instead headed to a location where it was not as rough. Unfortunately, with the tide going out, we had a bit more difficulty catching appropriately sized fish. Captain Ed and Mike worked their hardest to keep us catching fish, but even though we were catching fish, many were not keepers (size wise or species related). Fishing is fishing, and they don't always bite as well as you want them to, but I couldn't expect any more from this experience as everything was done to give us the best opportunity to catch fish (including extending the trip to give us as much time as possible before sunset.) From my perspective, we all had a good time, caught many species of fish and did have enough to take home for a tasty dinner. And while the captain felt bad that we didn't catch as much as we were hoping for, he and his son were entertaining and engaging and just pleasant people to meet. I wouldn't hesitate to go back and use them again.

The weather wasn't cooperating for great fishing weather (fairly windy), so we weren't able to go to the location that was planned and instead headed to a location where it was not as rough. Unfortunately, with the tide going out, we had a bit more difficulty catching appropriately sized fish. Captain Ed and Mike worked their hardest to keep us catching fish, but even though we were catching fish, many were not keepers (size wise or species related). Fishing is fishing, and they don't always...  

 Mark K. recommends Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience
Ed Traylor
Ed Traylor (The Captain)
Replied on March 15, 2025
Mark, Thank for the review. It is fishing and weather does play a big role in the bite. We would love to have you back again. And look forward to seeing you all again soon. Regards, Capt. Ed

Roger M.
Roger M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Amazing Experience!

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (AM) on May 17, 2025

First time fishing out on the open water. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Ed and Mikey were patient with our group and taught us a ton. They were fun to be with and we caught a Mahi Mahi and a ton of yellow tail snapper. Only wish we booked more time. Next time definitely going to go get some Tuna. Look no further these are the best guides we could have asked for!

First time fishing out on the open water. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Ed and Mikey were patient with our group and taught us a ton. They were fun to be with and we caught a Mahi Mahi and a ton of yellow tail snapper. Only wish we booked more time. Next time definitely going to go get some Tuna. Look no further these are the best guides we could have asked for!  

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 Roger M. recommends Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience
Ed Traylor
Ed Traylor (The Captain)
Replied on May 17, 2025
Roger, Thank you for choosing Wet Tails Charters. We look forward to fishing with you all again 🎣

Ronald S.
Ronald S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Windy day fishing

VERIFIED
NEW

6hr Offshore Big Game on May 10, 2025

Even though the wind prevented us from venturing out into the Atlantic, we hung in near the seven mile bridge to catch a variety of fish. We also got to visit with Dick Ritowski at Hyperbarics International in Key Largo. Dick pioneered hyperbaric therapy, iron lungs, and is an expert on treating the bends in the Scuba world.

Even though the wind prevented us from venturing out into the Atlantic, we hung in near the seven mile bridge to catch a variety of fish. We also got to visit with Dick Ritowski at Hyperbarics International in Key Largo. Dick pioneered hyperbaric therapy, iron lungs, and is an expert on treating the bends in the Scuba world.  

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+5
 Ronald S. recommends Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience
Ed Traylor
Ed Traylor (The Captain)
Replied on May 13, 2025
Ronnie, Thanks for choosing is and we're glad you both enjoyed the day. Hope to see you both again 🎣

Cynthia N.
Cynthia N.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Family Trip

VERIFIED

4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (AM) on December 22, 2024

We had an unforgettable family fishing trip in Marathon, FL, over Christmas break! The weather was perfect, and the crystal-clear waters were teeming with fish. Our guide Ed and his deck hand Michael were fantastic, taking us to the best spot and ensuring everyone—kids and adults alike—had a chance to reel in their catch. We caught tons of fish, from snapper to yellow jack. We highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous family getaway.

We had an unforgettable family fishing trip in Marathon, FL, over Christmas break! The weather was perfect, and the crystal-clear waters were teeming with fish. Our guide Ed and his deck hand Michael were fantastic, taking us to the best spot and ensuring everyone—kids and adults alike—had a chance to reel in their catch. We caught tons of fish, from snapper to yellow jack. We highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous family getaway.  

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 Cynthia N. recommends Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience
Ed Traylor
Ed Traylor (The Captain)
Replied on December 23, 2024
Cynthia, Thank for choosing Wet Tails Charters and we are glad you all enjoyed the trip. Hopefully we will see you all again in the future to get the boys out for some Mahi fishing.

Kelly L.
Kelly L.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

2 FANTASTIC trips with Captain Ed and Mikey

VERIFIED

6 Hr Nearshore Reef/Wreck on July 3, 2024

We had two trips with Captain Ed and Mikey. On July 1, we did a deep-sea trip. We told him we really wanted to catch mahi and he did not disappoint! He hunted those fish down in not the easiest conditions and we got ‘em! It was a fantastic day! Day 2 was inshore and we caught a lot of fish including Snapper various types of snapper! We have lunch for days! Captain Ed is knowledgeable, super friendly and knows these waters well. Mikey is a fantastic first mate who does everything for you! He works hard in addition to being super friendly and knowledgable. You will have a great trip with these two!

We had two trips with Captain Ed and Mikey. On July 1, we did a deep-sea trip. We told him we really wanted to catch mahi and he did not disappoint! He hunted those fish down in not the easiest conditions and we got ‘em! It was a fantastic day! Day 2 was inshore and we caught a lot of fish including Snapper various types of snapper! We have lunch for days! Captain Ed is knowledgeable, super friendly and knows these waters well. Mikey is a fantastic first mate who does everything for you! He...  

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 Kelly L. recommends Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience
1 person finds this review helpful
Ed Traylor
Ed Traylor (The Captain)
Replied on July 5, 2024
You both were a blast to fish with. Glad you both had a great time and hope we see you again soon. Capt. Ed

...

FAQs about Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience

What are the trip rates for Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience?

Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $895 per group - 4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $895 per group - 4 Hour Nearshore Reef/Wreck (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,095 per group - 6 Hr Nearshore Reef/Wreck (6 hours)
  • US $1,395 per group - 6hr Offshore Big Game (6 hours)
  • US $1,595 per group - 8 Hr Offshore Big Game (8 hours)
  • US $1,795 per group - 10hr Offshore Big Game (10 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience?

When you book a trip with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet We have a toilet on board for customers
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well We will provide bait needed for the trip
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience?

Trips booked with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (We do not catch bait on customers time.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Our first mate will clean and bag your catch. He works solely for tips 20% is customary. )
  • First Mate (20% is a customary tip in the service industry.)
  • Fishing License (All fishing licenses are covered under the captains fishing license. )
What types of fishing does Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience offer?

Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience offers the following types of fishing:

  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (We travel up to 25 miles offshore when fishing for bigger species. )
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience offer?

Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience?

Top targeted fish species with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience include:

  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grouper (Snowy)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Lobster
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Ed Traylor

Marathon, Florida, United States

22 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
88 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2023
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captain Ed Traylor (our founder) is 4th generation Floridian who has fished the coastal and inland waters since childhood. He has also fished (and continues to fish) with some of the most renowned Captains in Marathon Key gathering decades of offshore fishing knowledge and techniques from award-winning captains. Whether you are here for the first time or visit Marathon regularly, Wet Tails Charters will provide a fishing experience that you will never forget.

The fish you can target

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Snowy Grouper
Snowy Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Lobster
Lobster
Sailfish
Sailfish
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Swordfish
Swordfish
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
31 ft
Year built
2008
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
Stamas Tarpon
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yanmar
Powered by
1 x 315HP
Max cruising speed
28 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

We travel up to 25 miles offshore when fishing for bigger species.

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

We have a toilet on board for customers

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

We will provide bait needed for the trip

Outriggers

Ice Box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

We do not catch bait on customers time.

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Our first mate will clean and bag your catch. He works solely for tips 20% is customary.

First Mate

20% is a customary tip in the service industry.

Fishing License

All fishing licenses are covered under the captains fishing license.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

We are a family friendly business and kids are welcome.

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

Disabled Accessible

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 PayPal

What’s biting in Marathon right now

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
SwordfishSwordfish
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
WahooWahoo

Recent fishing reports


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