Everglades Backcountry Experience

Jason Rector Construction

3 months ago

Memorial Day weekend gave my brother Matthew and me more than a fishing trip. It gave us an experience we will be talking about for years. Matthew drove over from New Smyrna Beach, and together we made the trip down from Ocala on Friday, May 22, 2026, headed for Chokoloskee with anticipation and no idea what we were truly in for. That evening, we met Captain Rodney, owner of Everglades Backcountry Experience, at the Havana Café, where his cousin Aaron Tabor is the owner. Before the sun ever came up on fishing day, the trip had already started in the best way possible, with an incredible dinner, great conversation, and the kind of hospitality that immediately makes you feel like you're not just another customer. Saturday morning, we quickly realized this was far more than a fishing charter. Captain Rodney, a sixth generation Everglades guide, didn’t just take us fishing. He took us into the history, rhythm, and hidden life of the Everglades. Every stop came with a lesson. We learned about oyster beds, tide movement, water temperatures, bait selection, and how each variable changes the day’s strategy. As we drifted over rock holes, we watched loggerhead turtles hanging out beneath us in their natural environment. At Turtle Island, osprey circled overhead, diving and nesting while doing exactly what we were there to do, fish. Captain Rodney shared stories about the coral ledges and why certain spots have produced for generations. Then he proved it. The action was nonstop. Trout. Snook. Mangrove snapper. Jack. Ladyfish. And more. But the fish were only part of what made the day special. What stood out most was the authenticity of the experience. This wasn’t a packaged tourist outing. It felt like being invited into a world that Captain Rodney genuinely knows, respects, and has inherited through generations. If you’re looking for more than just a fishing trip, if you want education, adventure, wildlife, local history, and unforgettable memories, Everglades Backcountry Experience with Captain Rodney is worth every minute. Some trips are about what you catch. The best ones are about what you experience. - Jason Rector

Andy Orourke

4 months ago

We enjoyed every minute of Captain Rodney’s experience through 10 000 island national park. We caught fish which our host prepared for an excellent dinner at local restaurant Havana. Scenery and comfort unbeatable!

Zach Leinwohl

10 months ago

We had an incredible day fishing with Rodney in Everglades City, Florida! He was an awesome guide — super knowledgeable and easygoing. He took us to all the best spots and provided everything we needed, from rods and tackle to bait. During our 5-hour trip, we caught two big redfish and a keeper African pompano, along with plenty of smaller fish including a few snook and trout throughout the day. Rodney really knew where the fish were biting and made the whole experience fun and effortless. Highly recommend booking with him — five stars all the way!

David Eldredge

10 months ago

Took my second trip with Rodney and had another memorable day. We caught more fish than I could count with a variety I didn’t expect. The goal was Snook, Red and Trout and we caught multiples of all three. Add in the Groupers, Snappers, Ladies and a few Pesky catfish and we had bent rods pretty much all day. Rodney is a great host. He puts us on the fish and lets us use a variety of baits to find what works. I’ve once again learned some new tricks as his instruction is great. My 93 year old mother was also on this trip and he made sure she was taken care of. She ended up out-fishing both my brother and I and we couldn’t have been happier about that. Can’t wait to take another trip in the future.

Jennifer Fitzgerald

a year ago

Thanks again, Captain Rodney, for another great day of fishing. We have been fishing with you for over 10 years, and we have always had a great time. Your knowledge of the area and helpful fishing tips have made us better fishermen. You are the reason we keep coming back.