Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing
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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (344)
+341Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Appropriate for children
88%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
99%
Caught fish
92%
Mar 31, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Unforgettable Day Fishing in Islamorada with Captain Ben!
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!
We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Ben from Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing! The trip was planned for my 13-year-old...
Captain replied
Mar 18, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Amazing experience!
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.
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...
Captain replied
Aug 14, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
Great experience, great guide , great fishing.
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 , **hidden content** **hidden content** **hidden content**
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....
Captain replied
Aug 12, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
Great trip!!!!
Tough fishing with the water temps so high. We were able to accomplish our goal. My son caught his first Tarpon!!!! On his bucket list.
Tough fishing with the water temps so high. We were able to accomplish our goal. My son caught his first Tarpon!!!! On his bucket...
Captain replied
Apr 18, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Great trip, awesome fishing
Had a great fishing trip with Captain Ben. Super informative and put us on the fish to catch our limit Highly recommended and will be back to fish with him again! Caught trout, snapper, snook, catfish and ladyfish. Saw dolphins, stingrays, shark, tarpon and more Awesome. A+++
Had a great fishing trip with Captain Ben. Super informative and put us on the fish to catch our limit Highly recommended and...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (344)
+341Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Appropriate for children
88%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
99%
Caught fish
92%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable Day Fishing in Islamorada with Captain Ben!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 31, 2025
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!
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Amazing experience!
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 18, 2025
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.
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great experience, great guide , great fishing.
3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 2025
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 , **hidden content** **hidden content** **hidden content**
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 , **hidden content** **hidden content** **hidden content**
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great trip!!!!
3/4 Day Trip on August 12, 2025
Tough fishing with the water temps so high. We were able to accomplish our goal. My son caught his first Tarpon!!!! On his bucket list.
Tough fishing with the water temps so high. We were able to accomplish our goal. My son caught his first Tarpon!!!! On his bucket list.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great trip, awesome fishing
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 18, 2025
Had a great fishing trip with Captain Ben. Super informative and put us on the fish to catch our limit Highly recommended and will be back to fish with him again! Caught trout, snapper, snook, catfish and ladyfish. Saw dolphins, stingrays, shark, tarpon and more Awesome. A+++
Had a great fishing trip with Captain Ben. Super informative and put us on the fish to catch our limit Highly recommended and will be back to fish with him again! Caught trout, snapper, snook, catfish and ladyfish. Saw dolphins, stingrays, shark, tarpon and more Awesome. A+++
FAQs about Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing
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What is the boat like?
