Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing

Tavernier, Florida
Book Now Meet Your Guide
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ben Trainer

Ben Trainer

Independent Guide 17 years of exp.
Talkative
Laid-back
Comfortable
Instructional
Expert Oriented
Quality
Explore Islamorada and the Florida Keys skinny water with Captain Ben for Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Permit, and Redfish. If you're looking for a bit of everything, book a full-day to head deeper for Sailfish, Snapper, and Grouper as well.

Islamorada offers unique fishing opportunities that make catching a Sailfish offshore and targeting Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Reds, and Snook inshore a lofty yet realistic goal.

Fish neighboring Key Largo's tropical hardwoods, winding creeks (filled with gamefish), Everglades National Park and a portion of a national marine sanctuary for some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state.

Captain Ben lives to show fly fishing and conventional anglers of all skill levels what fishing the Florida Keys is all about!

Captain Ben hosts trips aboard his 18’ Action Craft skiff, powered by a 115HP Suzuki outboard that glides up to 40 knots. He provides all equipment necessary, including top-notch Redbone, Shimano and Penn rods and reels. Just let him know and he’ll bring fly fishing and snorkeling equipment along for the ride.

Live bait (included) will be caught either prior or...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ben Trainer

Ben Trainer

Independent Guide 17 years of exp.
Explore Islamorada and the Florida Keys skinny water with Captain Ben for Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Permit, and Redfish. If you're looking for a bit of everything, book a full-day to head deeper for Sailfish, Snapper, and Grouper as well.

Islamorada offers unique fishing opportunities that make catching a Sailfish offshore and targeting Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Reds, and Snook inshore a lofty yet realistic goal.

Fish neighboring Key Largo's tropical hardwoods, winding creeks (filled with gamefish), Everglades National Park and a portion of a national marine sanctuary for some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state.

Captain Ben lives to show fly fishing and conventional anglers of all skill levels what fishing the Florida Keys is all about!

Captain Ben hosts trips aboard his 18’ Action Craft skiff, powered by a 115HP Suzuki outboard that glides up to 40 knots. He provides all equipment necessary, including top-notch Redbone, Shimano and Penn rods and reels. Just let him know and he’ll bring fly fishing and snorkeling equipment along for the ride.

Live bait (included) will be caught either prior or at the beginning of the trip, depending on 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 along.

Fill in date, party size, trip duration, and start time above to book and get out there with Captain Ben and Captain Experiences!
Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
White Sturgeon over 1000 lbs and Sawfish over 1000 lbs
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
5 star seafood dinner
What’s your favorite band?
Journey
What’s your favorite movie?
Dumb & Dumber

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
White Sturgeon over 1000 lbs and Sawfish over 1000 lbs
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
5 star seafood dinner
What’s your favorite band?
Journey
What’s your favorite movie?
Dumb & Dumber
What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Panthers NHL
What’s your drink of choice?
V&T Lime
What was your last halloween costume?
Cow
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Tibor Billy Pate fly reel
How did you get started guiding?
Second Generation guide
What makes you different from other guides?
Humility, patience, integrity. I always will put my best foot forward for my guests, whom usually turn into friends.
Scroll for more

Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing Trips

Choose a trip to get started
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Tavernier

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (24) Guided by Ben
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Tavernier

Fishing Coastal Bay

100% (24) Guided by Ben
20 ft 1 - 8 People From $700

Don't see what you're looking for?

Contact us to create a custom trip for you and your group.

Contact Us

Recent Reviews of Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing

5.0
based on 10 reviews

William

Verified Review

Great guide, friendly, helpful and an excellent fisherman. I came looking for bone and permit and caught both. A number 1; could not have asked for more.

William

Verified Review

Great guide, friendly, helpful and an excellent fisherman. I came looking for bone and permit and caught both. A number 1; could not have asked for more.
Scroll for more

Michael

Verified Review

Ben was amazing! A cold front moved in, temps plumetted, it didnt look good. We laid into 2 tarpon, about 30 jacks, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and many others. He is a great captain with lots of knowledge. I will book with him again.

Michael

Verified Review

Ben was amazing! A cold front moved in, temps plumetted, it didnt look good. We laid into 2 tarpon, about 30 jacks, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and many others. He is a great captain with lots of knowledge. I will book with him again.
Scroll for more

Richard

Verified Review

What a Great Trip, Ben was a Great Guide, We laughed and caught fish and had fun.

Richard

Verified Review

What a Great Trip, Ben was a Great Guide, We laughed and caught fish and had fun.
Scroll for more

Lapene

Verified Review

Damn great time on the water with Ben. He was willing to quickly adjust to last minute changes (remember, when you are replying to messages from Captain Experiences they might not get to the guide you are using through them). Ben got us into multiple species of fish using various methods of angling. When our time was up, we had a few "keepers" that Ben filleted up for us. It was a perfect day on...

Lapene

Verified Review

Damn great time on the water with Ben. He was willing to quickly adjust to last minute changes (remember, when you are replying to messages from Captain Experiences they might not get to the guide you are using through them). Ben got us into multiple species of fish using various methods of angling. When our time was up, we had a few "keepers" that Ben filleted up for us. It was a perfect day on the water. Thanks for the great time Ben and, more importantly, thank you for your service to our country! DO NOT HESITATE to book a trip with Ben.
Scroll for more

Joseph

Verified Review

NON-STOP ACTION!
Captain Experiences “HOOKED” us up with Captain Ben!
Captain Ben is not only professional but he has the experience, knowledge, patience and skill that put us on multi species of fish, in diverse weather conditions throughout the day!!
My two sons and I agree, that fishing with Captain Ben was like fishing with a friend!
We made memories that will last forever!
April 25, 2023.

Joseph

Verified Review

NON-STOP ACTION!
Captain Experiences “HOOKED” us up with Captain Ben!
Captain Ben is not only professional but he has the experience, knowledge, patience and skill that put us on multi species of fish, in diverse weather conditions throughout the day!!
My two sons and I agree, that fishing with Captain Ben was like fishing with a friend!
We made memories that will last forever!
April 25, 2023.
Scroll for more

Rocco

Verified Review

I took my son and son in law fishing with Capt. Ben and he did not disappoint, we cought fish all day long. He was very knowledgeable navigating the Gulf waters and it's hot spots. Highly recommend Captain Ben and I hope to get back out with him soon. He is also a veteran so thank you for your service Captain 🇺🇲.

Rocco

Verified Review

I took my son and son in law fishing with Capt. Ben and he did not disappoint, we cought fish all day long. He was very knowledgeable navigating the Gulf waters and it's hot spots. Highly recommend Captain Ben and I hope to get back out with him soon. He is also a veteran so thank you for your service Captain 🇺🇲.
Scroll for more

Ethan

Verified Review

Bens a great guide, easy to talk to a got us on fish. Can’t ask for more. Would book again.

Ethan

Verified Review

Bens a great guide, easy to talk to a got us on fish. Can’t ask for more. Would book again.
Scroll for more

Jamie

Verified Review

Captain Ben gave us a great trip in the Everglades. Put us on fish all day and gave us many opportunities. Made quick adjustments to the situations and made sure we had dinner too! Thanks Captain!

Jamie

Verified Review

Captain Ben gave us a great trip in the Everglades. Put us on fish all day and gave us many opportunities. Made quick adjustments to the situations and made sure we had dinner too! Thanks Captain!
Scroll for more

Philip

Verified Review

Ben, what a guy/guide! Our family had a great time out fishing with him. Very knowledgeable and friendly! 10/10 would recommend booking with him during your vacation in The Keys!

Philip

Verified Review

Ben, what a guy/guide! Our family had a great time out fishing with him. Very knowledgeable and friendly! 10/10 would recommend booking with him during your vacation in The Keys!
Scroll for more

James

Verified Review

Ben was very knowledgeable as to where the fish were. From the Barricuda my grandson caught, to all the other fish my son in law, and myself caught. The weather was tremendous. Zach, and Ben changed their schedule to accommodate the 2 families. Will definitely book with them again.

James

Verified Review

Ben was very knowledgeable as to where the fish were. From the Barricuda my grandson caught, to all the other fish my son in law, and myself caught. The weather was tremendous. Zach, and Ben changed their schedule to accommodate the 2 families. Will definitely book with them again.
Scroll for more

Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Fly Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting
Topwater Fishing
Trolling

Types of Fishing

Deep Sea
Flats
Inshore
Nearshore

Leatherneck Backcountry Fishing Photo Gallery

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
November 10th, 2023
Tavernier, Florida
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
February 1st, 2023
Tavernier, Florida
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
March 25th, 2024
Tavernier, Florida
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
March 24th, 2022
Tavernier, Florida
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
March 24th, 2022
Tavernier, Florida
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
March 24th, 2022
Tavernier, Florida
Leatherneck Fishing Coastal Bay
Fishing Coastal Bay
June 2nd, 2025
Book Now