AI information

Welcome to Your Islamorada Backcountry Adventure

Captain Ted Wilson has spent most of his life exploring the backcountry of Islamorada. These waters feel like home to him and he loves sharing the experience of this area with others.

He runs light-tackle and fly-fishing trips through the waters of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. Most mornings start at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada. Once you leave the marina, you are surrounded by miles of open water and small mangrove islands. Many of the fish here swim so close to the surface that you can spot them before you even cast.

Expect to see tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook, trout, permit, mangrove snapper, black drum, jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks, tripletail and other inshore species. A typical day includes watching the sun rise over Florida Bay, chasing fish across the flats, spotting dolphins and birds along the way and going back home with stories you will never forget.

With room for up to 3 guests, every trip is intentionally small and personal. So if you want to explore one of the most iconic shallow-water fisheries in the world, there is no more immersive way to do it.

Islamorada Fishing Charter Rates and Schedule

1/2 Day Backcountry Charter

Departs 7:00 AM & Returns 11:00 AM

$600

3/4 Day Backcountry Charter

Departs 7:00 AM & Returns 1:00 PM

$750

Full Day Backcountry Charter

Departs 7:00 AM & Returns 3:00 PM

$900

Evening Tarpon Charter

Departs 4 hours prior to sunset – Approx 4 PM- 8 PM (March – July)

$600

Learn More

ADDITIONAL ISLAMORADA FISHING CHARTER RATE INFORMATION

Each trip includes 1-2 anglers and you can add a third angler for $100. Captain Ted’s skiff can accommodate up to 3 guests.

WHY US?

When you book a backcountry fishing guide, you want someone who knows the water and is easy to spend the day with. That is how Captain Ted runs his trips. Here’s what you can expect when you fish with him:

Experienced & Licensed Captain

Captain Ted has spent more than 30 years guiding in the Florida Keys and has logged over 10,000 days on these waters. As a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain, he is all too familiar with the tides, weather, fish behavior and the small hidden areas of Florida Bay.

Fully Equipped Backcountry Skiff

The skiff comes fully stocked with quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, an ice cooler and all the fishing gear. You are welcome to bring your drinks, snacks, sunscreen and anything else that you will need for the day.

All-Inclusive Charters

Your charter includes the boat, fuel, licenses and all the fishing gear. There is no paperwork or permit hassle. If you have questions or special requests, Captain Ted is always happy to work with you.

Perfect for Every Skill Level

Captain Ted has guided everyone from beginners to tournament competitors so he can adjust your trip to match your comfort level. If you are learning to cast for the first time, he can be a very patient teacher. If you are already experienced, he can help you refine your technique.

Flexible Trip Options

Captain Ted can be flexible with departure times when conditions allow. He can plan your trip around the tides or your travel schedule so you get the best possible backcountry fishing experience.

Our captain

Captain Ted Wilson grew up in Florida and has always felt at home on the water. After getting his zoology degree from the University of Florida in 1993, he moved to Islamorada to become a full-time backcountry fishing guide. Before accepting a single paying client, he made a promise to himself that he would fish every single day for two years. That time on the water is how he knows the tides, the flats, the mangrove creeks and all the secret paths most guides never explore.

Today, Captain Ted is recognized as one of the top backcountry guides in the Keys. He has spent over 10,000 days on the water and he has competed in prestigious tournaments like the Gold Cup Tarpon Fly Tournament and the George Bush Invitational Bonefish Tournament. He also continues to advocate for the conservation and protection of the Florida Keys fishery.

Off the water, Captain Ted is just as much a part of the community. Many locals know him as “Coach Ted” from his years of coaching youth soccer. When he is not guiding, you will find him tending to his MatecumBEE honey bees, spending time with his four dogs and three cats or running his airboat through the marshes of Lake Okeechobee.

Meet Captain Ted

Our Boats

Your charter takes place aboard Captain Ted’s 17-foot Maverick Master Angler. This skiff was made specifically for the shallow waters of the Florida Keys. Captain Ted can move this powerboat quietly across the flats and reach areas that bigger boats can’t. These are the hidden creeks, tight channels, shallow banks and calm backcountry pockets where fish love to feed.

The powerboat is powered by a Yamaha outboard and offers a smooth ride for its size. It is ideal for 2-3 anglers and has an open layout that gives you plenty of space to cast and move around. Its shallow draft keeps you close to the water and lets you spend most of your day in protected areas. On board, you will find a stable casting platform, updated safety gear (including life jackets), navigation tools, dry storage for your bags and cameras and an ice cooler for your drinks.

Chart of the Islamorada Backcountry / Everglades National Park.

Florida Bay is a maze of channels, shallow flats, mangrove islands and hidden creeks. The tides move through all of these twists and turns and the fish follow the patterns they create. A chart of the Islamorada backcountry can therefore look like a scattered pattern of islands and water to most visitors. But to Captain Ted, it is a map he knows inside and out.

Check a chart before or after your trip to visualize the route you traveled. You can trace your path from Bud n’ Mary’s Marina out into Florida Bay and see how close you were to the edge of the Everglades. Many guests say that seeing the chart gives them a whole new appreciation for how complex and beautiful this backcountry is.

Book Now