Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing 

4.9/5 (180 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Sioux Street 144, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing 

 
State licensed
4.9/5 (180 reviews)
map-thumbnail
Sioux Street 144
Tavernier, FL, United States

Are you ready to bring your search to an end and book a charter you'll have a blast on? Is there a dream catch that you've been dreaming of finally reeling in? Would you like to be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgable guide, who can help you improve your skills? We'll assume that your answers were the same as those of thousands of visitors who come down to Key Largo to chase their angling dreams each year.

For all the reasons mentioned above, and some additional ones, you're lucky to have come across Captain Ben Trainer of Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing. Welcoming anglers of all skill levels, he'll provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to have a fun and successful day on the water. Whether you want to feel the thrill of battling 'The Silver King' or reel in one tasty grouper after the other, this charter has you covered.

Fish aboard a sleek, 18' Action Craft skiff, restored as recently as 2017. Powered by a 115HP Suzuki outboard, the vessel is has a top cruising speed of 40 knots. The boat's shallow draft, combined with its stable fishing platform and topped off with features such as a poling tower and a trolling motor make it ideally suited for the flats. You'll be able to get to all the best spots, no matter how secluded and once the action starts, you'll have everything you need right there!

Captain Ben will provide you with all the fishing tackle you could need, including top-notch Redbone, Shimano and Penn rods and reels. Upon request, he'll also bring aboard fly fishing and snorkeling equipment at no extra cost. Also included in the price is your fishing license and live bait that will be caught either prior or at the beginning of the trip, depending on the availability. A cooler with ice and bottled water will also be on board, with plenty of additional room for any food or drinks you chose to bring.

Now, if you're ready to start your Florida fishing adventure, grab your sunglasses and sunscreen and book a trip right away!

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Rating

4.9
180 reviews
5
174
4
4
3
0
2
1
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (375)

Young angler proudly holding a large Goliath Grouper while fishing in clear blue waters.
A happy angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing in a mangrove area.
Angler kissing a Snook while on a boat in a mangrove area, showcasing a fun fishing moment.
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
+369

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
88%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (180)

Filter
Showing 15 of 180 reviews
Caitie Armendariz
Caitie Armendariz
5.0
Verified
Captain Ben is the King!
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 20, 20262 adults
This was our second time fishing with Ben and definitely won’t be our last! Husband and I did this charter a few years back on our honeymoon and had a blast. We caught a lot of fish both times. Ben’s the greatest. We live in FL and target a lot the same species back home, and this guy really changed the game for us. He taught us his ways and now we catch way more fish lol. Amazing charter captain but man is he a great teacher also. Highly recommend his charter just for a fun day out or if you want to learn some stuff. This guy knows his shit and he’ll put you on the fish!
A happy angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing in a mangrove area.
Angler kissing a Snook while on a boat in a mangrove area, showcasing a fun fishing moment.
Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
February 21, 2026
cant wait to see ypu guys again! Happy Anniversary!!!
0
Austin Theisen
Austin Theisen
5.0
Verified
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
3/4 Day Trip on December 2, 20252 adults
almost non stop action catching multiple species of fish, jack cervalles, look downs, snappers, barracudas... including hooking into two sharks and a big grouper, they cut the line being we were only fishing with jigs. they still fought like crazy the time inhad them hooked and was awesome. cant forget the 30lb permit about 30 minutes into the trip. Captain Ben was awesome! very personable, knowledgeable and just a great guy to fish with. i cannot wait to schedule another trip, probably one of the best times Ive ever had on the water
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Reported catch:
Permit
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
December 2, 2025
it was my pleasure having you guys today brother. i jad a blast fishing with you and congratulations on that fish well deserved after that battle
0
Joshua Wirth
Joshua Wirth
5.0
Verified
King tide catch
Half Day Trip (AM) on October 6, 20252 adults
Even with the king tide, Ben kept us moving and on fish the whole trip. Wife and I been on 3 different backcountry trips in the keys and Leatherneck was the best trip. You can tell Ben loves what he does and gets hype when there’s a fish on. We will definitely be back!
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Response from Captain
October 6, 2025
had an awesome time with you guys looking forward to your next trip! thank you so much!
0
Noel Dempsey
Noel Dempsey
5.0
Verified
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
3/4 Day Trip on February 12, 20263 adults
We had gone on several fishing trips with different captains that week and we enjoyed his the best. He seems to know where the fish are and when they are biting. We caught a large variety almost nonstop action. We can't wait for the next trip.
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Response from Captain
February 18, 2026
great having you guys hope to see you next time
0
Curt Wilkins
Curt Wilkins
5.0
Verified
New
Fishing with Ben
3/4 Day Trip on March 10, 20262 adults
Response from Captain
March 29, 2026
cheers Curt a pleasure
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
April 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 12:30 PM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
US $650
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
US $825
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.9
180 reviews
5
174
4
4
3
0
2
1
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (375)

Young angler proudly holding a large Goliath Grouper while fishing in clear blue waters.
A happy angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing in a mangrove area.
Angler kissing a Snook while on a boat in a mangrove area, showcasing a fun fishing moment.
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
+369

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
88%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (180)

Filter
Showing 15 of 180 reviews
Caitie Armendariz
Caitie Armendariz
5.0
Verified
Captain Ben is the King!
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 20, 20262 adults
This was our second time fishing with Ben and definitely won’t be our last! Husband and I did this charter a few years back on our honeymoon and had a blast. We caught a lot of fish both times. Ben’s the greatest. We live in FL and target a lot the same species back home, and this guy really changed the game for us. He taught us his ways and now we catch way more fish lol. Amazing charter captain but man is he a great teacher also. Highly recommend his charter just for a fun day out or if you want to learn some stuff. This guy knows his shit and he’ll put you on the fish!
A happy angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing in a mangrove area.
Angler kissing a Snook while on a boat in a mangrove area, showcasing a fun fishing moment.
Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
February 21, 2026
cant wait to see ypu guys again! Happy Anniversary!!!
0
Austin Theisen
Austin Theisen
5.0
Verified
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
3/4 Day Trip on December 2, 20252 adults
almost non stop action catching multiple species of fish, jack cervalles, look downs, snappers, barracudas... including hooking into two sharks and a big grouper, they cut the line being we were only fishing with jigs. they still fought like crazy the time inhad them hooked and was awesome. cant forget the 30lb permit about 30 minutes into the trip. Captain Ben was awesome! very personable, knowledgeable and just a great guy to fish with. i cannot wait to schedule another trip, probably one of the best times Ive ever had on the water
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 4
Reported catch:
Permit
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
December 2, 2025
it was my pleasure having you guys today brother. i jad a blast fishing with you and congratulations on that fish well deserved after that battle
0
Joshua Wirth
Joshua Wirth
5.0
Verified
King tide catch
Half Day Trip (AM) on October 6, 20252 adults
Even with the king tide, Ben kept us moving and on fish the whole trip. Wife and I been on 3 different backcountry trips in the keys and Leatherneck was the best trip. You can tell Ben loves what he does and gets hype when there’s a fish on. We will definitely be back!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 1
Review media 1
Review media 1
Response from Captain
October 6, 2025
had an awesome time with you guys looking forward to your next trip! thank you so much!
0
Noel Dempsey
Noel Dempsey
5.0
Verified
Best Fishing Day of the Week!
3/4 Day Trip on February 12, 20263 adults
We had gone on several fishing trips with different captains that week and we enjoyed his the best. He seems to know where the fish are and when they are biting. We caught a large variety almost nonstop action. We can't wait for the next trip.
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Response from Captain
February 18, 2026
great having you guys hope to see you next time
0
Curt Wilkins
Curt Wilkins
5.0
Verified
New
Fishing with Ben
3/4 Day Trip on March 10, 20262 adults
Response from Captain
March 29, 2026
cheers Curt a pleasure
0

FAQs about Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
1995
Restored in
2017
Boat manufacturer
Action Craft
Boat type
Skiff

Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots
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