Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing 

4.9/5 (173 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Sioux Street 144, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing 

 
State licensed
4.9/5 (173 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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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 173 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (361)

A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
+358

Angler rating

167
4
0
1
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

88%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

99%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

92%

Showing 1 - 5 of 173 reviews
Showing: 5 of 173 reviews
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
Colin Foley
Colin Foley
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Day Fishing in Islamorada with Captain Ben!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 31, 20253 adults
We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Ben from Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing! The trip was planned for my 13-year-old son to experience some real fishing during our Spring Break, and Captain Ben absolutely delivered. We asked for some good fighting fish and we got it! We kicked things off with two hammerhead sharks, which totally set the tone for the day. From there, we hit a hot streak of barracuda and every one of us was reeling them in nonstop! We wrapped up the morning with a beautiful Jack Crevalle, along with plenty of other great catches throughout the day. Captain Ben was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and fantastic with my son. His passion for fishing and for making sure everyone had a great time really came through. Even my dad, who’s lived in Islamorada for over 20 years, had an absolute blast. If you're looking for a top-tier fishing guide in the Keys, you need to book with Captain Ben. We’re already planning to gift my dad a fly fishing trip with him this summer, and we’ll definitely be booking again the next time we’re in town. Check out a few snapshots from our day—just a glimpse of the adventure we had!
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Response from Captain
April 9, 2025
Thank you brother can’t wait to fish with you guys again !!!
0
Gregory Nye
Gregory Nye
5.0
Verified
Amazing experience!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 18, 20252 adults
If you've never fished the Florida Keys, it's a tremendous experience. Capt. Ben made it even better. He put us on his tried and true spots and it didn't disappoint. My wife and I caught a wide assortment of fish. But his calm, relaxing demeanor sets himself apart from other guides I've been with. Many are just too uptight. There's definitely techniques to catch more fish and listening to Capt. Ben, you will catch more. It was a true pleasure fishing on this charter will I'll be back with friends next spring.
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Review media 1
Reported catch:
Permit
Response from Captain
March 19, 2025
Looking forward to fishing with you guys again. Thank you guys!!!
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
Drew Davis
Drew Davis
5.0
Verified
Great experience, great guide , great fishing.
3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 20252 adults
110 percent, and like fishing with a friend who knows a lot more than my son and I did although we thought we knew a few things. Great experience. Captain Ben Trainer , [email protected] 305-570-9424 www.leatherneckbackcountryfishing.com
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Reported catch:
Permit
Snook
Tarpon
Redfish
+1
Response from Captain
August 15, 2025
Enjoyed fishing with you guys!! Thanks again!
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
January 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.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 173 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (361)

A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
A BLAST!!! BOOK TODAY!!
+358

Angler rating

167
4
0
1
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

88%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

99%

Recommend this charter

99%

Caught fish

92%

Showing 1 - 5 of 173 reviews
Showing: 5 of 173 reviews
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
Colin Foley
Colin Foley
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Day Fishing in Islamorada with Captain Ben!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 31, 20253 adults
We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Ben from Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing! The trip was planned for my 13-year-old son to experience some real fishing during our Spring Break, and Captain Ben absolutely delivered. We asked for some good fighting fish and we got it! We kicked things off with two hammerhead sharks, which totally set the tone for the day. From there, we hit a hot streak of barracuda and every one of us was reeling them in nonstop! We wrapped up the morning with a beautiful Jack Crevalle, along with plenty of other great catches throughout the day. Captain Ben was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and fantastic with my son. His passion for fishing and for making sure everyone had a great time really came through. Even my dad, who’s lived in Islamorada for over 20 years, had an absolute blast. If you're looking for a top-tier fishing guide in the Keys, you need to book with Captain Ben. We’re already planning to gift my dad a fly fishing trip with him this summer, and we’ll definitely be booking again the next time we’re in town. Check out a few snapshots from our day—just a glimpse of the adventure we had!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Response from Captain
April 9, 2025
Thank you brother can’t wait to fish with you guys again !!!
0
Gregory Nye
Gregory Nye
5.0
Verified
Amazing experience!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 18, 20252 adults
If you've never fished the Florida Keys, it's a tremendous experience. Capt. Ben made it even better. He put us on his tried and true spots and it didn't disappoint. My wife and I caught a wide assortment of fish. But his calm, relaxing demeanor sets himself apart from other guides I've been with. Many are just too uptight. There's definitely techniques to catch more fish and listening to Capt. Ben, you will catch more. It was a true pleasure fishing on this charter will I'll be back with friends next spring.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Permit
Response from Captain
March 19, 2025
Looking forward to fishing with you guys again. Thank you guys!!!
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
Drew Davis
Drew Davis
5.0
Verified
Great experience, great guide , great fishing.
3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 20252 adults
110 percent, and like fishing with a friend who knows a lot more than my son and I did although we thought we knew a few things. Great experience. Captain Ben Trainer , [email protected] 305-570-9424 www.leatherneckbackcountryfishing.com
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 2
Reported catch:
Permit
Snook
Tarpon
Redfish
+1
Response from Captain
August 15, 2025
Enjoyed fishing with you guys!! Thanks again!
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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