Rods Florida Charter Service Customer Reviews

Name: Rods Florida Charter Service
Brand: Rods Florida Charter Service
Rating: 5 (36 reviews)

100% would recommend

5/5

From 36
verified reviews

Jack AI Customer Experience Snapshot

Captain Rod delivers exceptional wildlife encounters across Crystal River and Homosassa waterways, with customers consistently praising his expert knowledge of manatee locations and behavior. Families report swimming with multiple manatees, including memorable experiences with mothers and calves, while his scalloping trips yield bountiful harvests thanks to his guidance on prime spots and techniques. Rod's enclosed boat with comfortable seating and bathroom facilities provides excellent protection during sudden weather changes, allowing groups to continue their adventures even when storms roll in. Customers highlight Rod's genuine respect for marine wildlife and his patient teaching approach, especially with children as young as two years old. Many families mention how he explains proper manatee interaction rules while ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable in the water. His sunset cruises include stops at waterside restaurants, and he goes above and beyond by providing snacks, towels, and even helping with meaningful ceremonies like ash scattering services.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Manatee Encounters

Scalloping Trips

Family Friendly

Wildlife Respect

Enclosed Boat

Patient Teaching

Sunset Cruises

Safety Focused

Photos from Real Customers

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Fresh scallops with ribbed shells displaying natural coloration and texture

Fresh shellfish harvest displayed in white cooler

Fresh catch of scallops displayed in orange bucket on boat deck

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All Reviews

Brad Lamphere

August 2, 2025

Trip - Homosassa Scalloping Charter – Private Guided Trip on August 2, 2025

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Having the shaded cabin was a big plus for our group. Captain was helpful and accommodating for our special requests.

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William Valdez

July 25, 2025

Trip - on July 25, 2025

Great experience! We saw several dolphins and sea turtles! We chose Crumps Landing as part of our dinner cruise and the food was delicious. Captain Rod was great and we’ll definitely do it again. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

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Captain RodReplied on September 16, 2025

William Valdez, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Jason Perkins

July 20, 2025

Trip - Homosassa Scalloping Charter – Private Guided Trip on July 20, 2025

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Captain Rod was a fantastic guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable about scallops and the area. We caught four gallons of scallops. What a great day.

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Gina O'Neal

July 5, 2025

Trip - Homosassa Scalloping Charter – Private Guided Trip on July 5, 2025

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

This was my family's first time Scalloping. Capt Rod was very knowledgeable and we found alot! I felt safe with my family on the water. Would certainly refer friends and even book again! Thank you for the great experience 😀

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Julie Swearingen

July 4, 2025

Trip - Homosassa Scalloping Charter – Private Guided Trip on July 4, 2025

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The boat was perfect for those that wanted to chill in shade while others were sun bathing! Capt Rod took us right to the Scallops and we got our limit and even got to see monkey island! It was a great day with Capt. Rod. Highly recommend and we will be back!!!

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Bailey Tagliareni

February 2, 2025

Trip - on February 2, 2025

Best. Day. Ever!!!! Captain Rod was so thorough and incredibly patient with my kids (6yo and 4yo). But what I love most about the experience was the love and respect Captain Rod has for the manatees. GREAT experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

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Captain RodReplied on February 4, 2025

Thanks Bailey, you and your family made my job a pleasure that day. Looking forward to having you aboard again looking forward to having you all aboard again. Best Regards, Capt Rod

Kelly Lardieri

December 24, 2024

Trip - on December 24, 2024

We had a great experience and saw so many manatees!

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Captain RodReplied on December 24, 2024

Kelly, thank you for the good review.I'm glad you had a wonderful time. Come again soon and try out some of our other tours available. Best Regards, Capt Rod PS: Nice picture!

Giselle Djian

April 30, 2024

Trip - on April 30, 2024

(Translated by Google) Wonderful experience!!! With Rod's good vibes, the jokes, the enormous respect in the treatment of the manatees, the information provided, the patience and the good vibes. Everything was excellent!!! (Original) Experiencia maravillosa!!! Con la buena onda de Rod, los chistes, el enorme respeto en el trato hacia los manaties, la, info brindada, la paciencia y la buena onda. Todo fue excelente!!!

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Toni Bristow

April 12, 2024

Trip - on April 12, 2024

We used Captain Rod's charter service to sail out to see the local manatees. Rod himself was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge was on point and delivered perfectly to our family with young children. Rod knew the best places to see manatees, and we were able to see so many swimming by. Rod cared about the manatees, he taught us how to interact with them but also taught us how to recognise when they won't want to interact with us, which happened. We relocated and had the opportunity to swim with a different manatee further down the water. Rod had a fantastic way with the children on board, which really mattered to me as a mum. His confidence allowed them to feel comfortable and willing to try something new. I'd 5 recommend Captain Rod's Florida Charter Service and will absolutely be contacting him again when in the area next time. #BestDayEver

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Captain RodReplied on April 12, 2024

Tony, I was very happy to have you and your family aboard! When I went to the bait shop to pick up my fishing net, the guys at the shop commented on how excited the kids were. You can't believe how happy that made me to hear that. Please come again soon so we can have another adventure! Your Captain and friend, Capt Rod Johnson Rod's Florida Charter Service 352 559-3398

Amanda Herron

April 5, 2024

Trip - on April 5, 2024

We had the most amazing time with Captain Rod! He knew exactly where to take us to find manatees, was extremely knowledgeable about the manatees and ensured we had the best tour/encounter! We will be booking again!

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Captain RodReplied on April 5, 2024

Thank you amanda! Look forward to seeing you again. Captain Rod

Natalie Geromette

February 9, 2024

Trip - on February 9, 2024

We must do all that we can to protect this National treasure... and I'm not just talking about the manatees! Captain Rod is a treasure himself and wealth of knowledge about the Clearwater area and Crystal/Homosassa Rivers waterways. He will tell you all about the wildlife that live both above and below water. He is very curteous of other boaters in the water. We felt very safe during our ride to and from our snorkeling destination. I cannot swim, but my husband and two children are like mermaids in the water. Let me tell you, you will not be prepared for the size of these tranquil sea cows, the manatees! They frightened my son, at first. After much encouragement from Captain Rob and the State observers (who were there to make certain everyone including the manatees had a great time) my son was in the water scratching tummies and getting manatee hugs. I lasted maybe 5 minutes with my little pool noodle as the manatees made a game of tapping their noses on the bottoms of my feet to hear me scream. My daughter was in heaven. She floated and the manatees just surrounded her and cuddled up on her. At one point, one began to swim away with her. Observers to the rescue! The manatees will hug you for warmth. Captain Rob was absolutely the best. He explained the rules for interacting with them. He will give you the best experience ever. Trust me. Be sure to bring along towels and a fresh change of clothes as well as snacks and drinks.

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Captain RodReplied on February 19, 2024

Thank you so much for the great review. So happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour. Capt Rod

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February 7, 2024

Trip - on February 7, 2024

Our family of 4 with two boys 2 and 6 went out today and had an amazing trip to swim with the manatees. Rod was briliant with the kids and facilitated a great morning. We would strongly recommend. The boat is enclosed which helps in the winter if it is cold getting out of the water which is also a big plus. We would definately recommend

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Captain RodReplied on February 7, 2024

Thanks again for booking with Rod's Florida Charter Service. Thank you for the great review and hope to see you again soon! Capt Rod Johnson

Top-rated Fishing Charters in Homosassa, FL

What Guests Are Saying About Rod's Florida Charter Service in Homosassa

Rod's Florida Charter Service reviews highlight why so many families, anglers, and adventure-seekers return year after year to fish and scallop with Captain Rod Johnson. Guests consistently mention the high-quality trips, from Homosassa scalloping charters to inshore fishing adventures targeting redfish, trout, and snook. Many repeat customers praise Captain Rod’s expert knowledge of Florida’s Nature Coast and his ability to create fun, memorable experiences for groups of all ages. Whether it’s a first-time visitor or a returning family, reviews often describe how easygoing and professional the trips are—making every outing safe, exciting, and enjoyable.

These customer testimonials for Rod's Florida Charter Service also highlight the unforgettable catches and moments that keep guests coming back. From pulling in a limit of bay scallops to reeling in prized inshore fish, the feedback speaks to both the adventure and the satisfaction of each trip. Visitors frequently note the friendly atmosphere on board, the personalized attention from Captain Rod, and the overall value of the experience. See what others are saying about their fishing charters in Homosassa—and book your trip today to create your own lasting memories on the water.