Tailing Charters

{
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  "organizationId": "4346456a-97c1-4810-9896-5e8abc0f6391",
  "name": "Tailing Charters",
  "guideName": "Capt. Chris Wells",
  "slug": "tailing-charters",
  "bio": "Captain Chris Wells has been guiding fly and light-tackle anglers on the Florida Keys flats for 18 years, building deep expertise in the seasonal migrations and behavior of tarpon, permit, bonefish, and redfish. His operation, Tailing Charters, focuses on sight-casting opportunities across the Keys backcountry, with spring tarpon runs from March through May as the signature season. Wells coaches anglers of all experience levels through the technical presentations required for permit and the explosive takes of 100-pound tarpon, while summer and fall bring diverse action on redfish, snook, jacks, and sharks. His year-round calendar reflects the Keys' seasonal rhythms, offering cooler-month opportunities for barracuda and sharks when flats fishing slows.",
  "yearsExperience": 18,
  "descriptionShort": "Tailing Charters, operated by Captain Chris Wells, specializes in fly and light-tackle sight-casting for tarpon, permit, bonefish, and redfish across the Florida Keys backcountry and flats. Based in Bradenton, FL, Wells offers year-round trips targeting seasonal migrations and resident species, with expertise spanning from shallow-water flats to offshore structure.",
  "descriptionLong": null,
  "editorialPitch": "Captain Chris Wells has spent 18 years mastering the Florida Keys flats — from spring tarpon migrations to permit that demand perfect presentations, he reads the water like few others and coaches anglers through the most technical sight-casting moments.",
  "fishinessRating": 5,
  "rating": null,
  "reviewCount": 0,
  "vertical": "guide_service",
  "isOutfitter": false,
  "hasMultipleGuides": false,
  "guideType": "fly_guide_saltwater",
  "tripStyle": "serious_angler",
  "fishingTypes": [
    "fly fishing",
    "light tackle spin fishing",
    "inshore",
    "offshore",
    "flats fishing",
    "backcountry"
  ],
  "bestFor": [
    "advanced",
    "intermediate",
    "fly-fishing",
    "saltwater",
    "inshore",
    "tarpon",
    "permit",
    "bonefish",
    "sight-casting",
    "catch-and-release"
  ],
  "hasGoogleMaps": true,
  "qualityTier": "excellent",
  "thinData": false,
  "possiblyClosed": false,
  "city": "Bradenton",
  "stateProvince": "FL",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": "US",
  "timezone": "UTC-4",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://tailingcharters.com/",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=12458480029695446899&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
  "openMonths": [
    1,
    2,
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6
  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year in the Florida Keys follows the migrations and behavior of the flats' most prized game fish. Spring is the absolute prime time, with the tarpon migration in full swing from March through May. This is when the big schools push through, offering incredible sight-casting opportunities on the ocean side flats. As spring transitions into summer, the tarpon action continues, and we also focus on the ever-challenging permit, which are abundant and eager to test your skills. Summer and fall offer continued opportunities for permit, along with redfish, snook, jacks, and sharks, providing a diverse fishing experience. While tarpon numbers may decrease after May, resident fish and other species keep the fishing exciting. The cooler months, from late fall through winter, bring excellent opportunities for barracuda and sharks, offering a different kind of thrill on the water.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All fly rods, reels, flies, and light-tackle gear are provided and included. Clients of all experience levels are welcome, and the captain supplies everything needed for a full day of sight-casting on the flats.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": "all experience levels",
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Days on the water with Captain Wells typically involve poling the shallow flats and backcountry channels in search of tailing or cruising fish, with sight-casting as the primary technique. Spring trips focus on the tarpon migration, while summer and fall rotate through permit, redfish, and snook depending on conditions and tides. All-day outings include coaching on presentation, fly selection, and reading the water; trips are tailored to skill level and target species.",
  "status": "enriched",
  "profileTier": "standard",
  "pipelineId": 16,
  "createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:20:54.918Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-16T14:48:43.670Z",
  "credentials": [
    {
      "id": "87411246-d8a9-48ce-89ca-f475b586fa1e",
      "guideId": "0fcc4df7-a2d1-4686-bfe7-7ce3b9f0cf06",
      "credentialType": "uscg_license",
      "issuingAuthority": "USCG",
      "licenseNumber": "1521963",
      "isVerified": false,
      "source": "extract-guide-facts",
      "sourceUrl": null,
      "issuedAt": null,
      "expiresAt": null,
      "pipelineId": 294,
      "createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:20:54.918Z",
      "updatedAt": "2026-06-08T18:20:54.918Z"
    }
  ],
  "geom": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
      -82.6181232,
      27.5094114
    ]
  },
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "beginner",
      "name": "Beginner",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "first-time-anglers",
      "name": "First-Time Anglers",
      "tagType": "best_for"
    },
    {
      "slug": "center-console",
      "name": "Center Console",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "poling-skiff",
      "name": "Poling Skiff / Flats Boat",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spin-fishing",
      "name": "Spin Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "year-round",
      "name": "Year-Round",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "sight-fishing",
      "name": "Sight Fishing",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "live-bait",
      "name": "Live Bait",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "charter",
      "name": "Charter",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "catch-and-release",
      "name": "Catch & Release",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "flies-provided",
      "name": "Flies / Lures Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "saltwater",
      "name": "Saltwater",
      "tagType": "water_type"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "1951da65-a524-4213-958b-0e3c16a57e12",
      "question": "What's included in the trip?",
      "answer": "All terminal tackle including rods, reels, flies and leaders. Iced down cooler with bottled water. Fishing Licenses. All you have to do is show up with your lunch and personal items!",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "ab6a6be2-1ed3-4c48-b454-7ddc3b7145dd",
      "question": "What fish species can I catch with Tailing Charters?",
      "answer": "Tailing Charters targets a variety of species including Sea Trout, Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Barracuda, and California Yellowtail.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "d5054a8e-fe29-4f3c-88a6-123bfe2a91d0",
      "question": "What do I need to bring?",
      "answer": "I will have everything you need for fishing. I have provided a list of personal items that you will want/need on the boat. Suggested Personal Items.",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "049594d0-51ca-48b5-be7d-a12f8175f7b6",
      "question": "What fishing techniques does Tailing Charters use?",
      "answer": "Captain Chris Wells specializes in fly fishing and light-tackle spin fishing, with a focus on sight-casting in shallow water, backcountry, and flats environments. Offshore trips are also available.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "a7c06f84-591d-4e22-b68c-eca1be7c122f",
      "question": "What is the reservation policy?",
      "answer": "A credit card deposit ensuring full payment is required to hold date(s). Once the deposit is received, your spot is guaranteed. The full balance is due at the end of the trip.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "dedb6631-9528-4602-aab2-64635d109ece",
      "question": "Where does Tailing Charters operate?",
      "answer": "While based in Bradenton, FL, Tailing Charters primarily fishes the Florida Keys, including areas like Big Pine Key and Key West. They also offer trips to Colorado.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "e2211f6d-ef56-450c-97b3-4edbb487a284",
      "question": "What is the cancellation policy?",
      "answer": "Capt. Chris reserves the right to cancel a day(s) fishing if the weather is too severe or because of mechanical issues. The safety of our customer is our top priority. Severe weather is considered unsafe boating conditions, it's too windy, or it's lightning. If Capt. Chris decides to cancel, he will gladly forward the deposit to a future date or give a refund. If a customer cancels, the deposit will only be returned if the date is booked by another angler. We will do everything possible to re-book the trip however, if we can't fill the date, the trip is to be paid in full.",
      "category": "policies",
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "2135676e-fb86-42ed-9a21-b31c4215bd14",
      "question": "What kind of boat does Tailing Charters use?",
      "answer": "Tailing Charters utilizes a center-console boat and a poling skiff suitable for both inshore flats and backcountry fishing.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "65973e32-40f6-4dbe-bd86-db0d601de46a",
      "question": "What about gratuities?",
      "answer": "Tips are not included in the cost of the trip and average 20%.",
      "category": "policies",
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "866d2820-a8d7-419f-86dc-fc408e4eb443",
      "question": "Is Tailing Charters suitable for beginners?",
      "answer": "Yes, Tailing Charters welcomes beginners and first-time anglers, offering instructional trips alongside advanced options for experienced fishermen.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "79ea687e-525d-4e79-a16e-a686d4aa9e2d",
      "question": "How do I pay?",
      "answer": "Checks and Cash.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 5
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "key-west-fl",
      "name": "Key West",
      "type": "city",
      "primary": true,
      "confirmed": true,
      "relationship": "nearby",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "florida-keys",
      "name": "Florida Keys",
      "type": "region_colloquial",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": true,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "colorado",
      "name": "Colorado",
      "type": "state",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": true,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    }
  ],
  "primaryDestinationSlug": "key-west-fl",
  "accommodations": [],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "tarpon",
      "commonName": "Tarpon",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "The main event in the Keys. Thousands migrate through each spring, offering incredible sight-fishing on gin-clear waters. Backcountry fishing is excellent in February and March, with ocean-side flats fishing peaking from April through June. Resident tarpon provide a year-round fishery, but the migration is the prime draw.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "bonefish",
      "commonName": "Bonefish",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "The Florida Keys offer some of the best bonefishing in the world, with fish averaging 6-8 lbs and double-digit trophies available. Sight-fishing on the flats requires accuracy and a good guide to navigate the shallow waters. The fish are challenging and known for their blistering runs.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "permit",
      "commonName": "Permit",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Permit are the toughest to catch on the flats but incredibly rewarding. They frequent the edges of flats, feeding and sometimes 'mudding.' The Keys boast a high number of large permit, offering a significant challenge and the potential for a grand slam.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "redfish",
      "commonName": "Redfish",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "A decent population of redfish inhabits the Keys, often found near mangrove edges, within the mangroves, or on open flats. They can be challenging to spot due to their camouflage but are generally willing to eat a fly. Often encountered while targeting other species.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "snook",
      "commonName": "Snook",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Snook are available in the Florida Keys and can be targeted with light tackle or fly. They are often found in mangrove areas and along the edges.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "california-yellowtail",
      "commonName": "California Yellowtail",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Jack Crevalle are aggressive and can show up anywhere, often in the same waters as bonefish, tarpon, and permit. They are known scavengers and will readily attack flies, providing fast action and hard fights.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "barracuda",
      "commonName": "Barracuda",
      "category": "saltwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Barracuda fishing is excellent during the colder months, typically from late fall through early March. They are found on the flats and offer a hard-fighting, jumping fish. Spinning gear with a tube lure is often most productive.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "sea-trout",
      "commonName": "Sea Trout",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "A decent population of sea trout exists in the Keys, offering fun and relatively easy fishing on fly or spin gear. They are prized for their table fare and often encountered alongside ladyfish and Spanish mackerel.",
      "notes": null
    }
  ],
  "reviews": [],
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  "photos": []
}