For World Champion angler Scott Martin, the Backyard Life is more than just his own slice of land. In fact, it started with a vision his parents had more than 40 years ago. What began as an open field on the shores of Lake Okeechobee is now Roland Martin Marina and Resort—a family-owned business that’s grown into a go-to destination for pro and amateur anglers alike.
In this Backyard Life video, Scott takes us on a tour of the marina, sharing stories about his family’s history, the mounted trophies in the shop, and the work it takes to keep everything looking sharp. And, thanks to Exmark, the crew has just the right tools to keep the grounds manicured and pristine, all year-round.
Family Roots
While Scott’s mom and dad started the marina in the late 70s, his sister now runs most of the day-to-day operations. But the spirit of the place remains unchanged, shaped by his parents’ love for fishing.
Scott credits both of them for inspiring the same passion he has for the sport, and he mentions that his mom was more than just a huge supporter of him and his dad. She was a serious angler herself—winning tournaments and traveling the world to catch fish. And, they first met at a bass tournament, to boot!
The Store and Tackle Shop
The inside of the store is almost as much of a mini museum about Martin family history as it is a shop. Full-body mounts of gobblers, gators, and bass line the walls. And a jaw-dropping story is behind each and every one of them. One highlight? A 200-pound tarpon Scott’s dad caught in South Georgia—unofficially a state record at the time.
And the tackle shop carries everything an angler could ever need to fish Lake Okeechobee. Rows of rods, racks of soft plastics, and shelves lined with every kind of creature bait, swimbait, and spinnerbait imaginable.
Scott jokes about the endless lure colors on display, even though when it comes down to it, green pumpkin and black-and-blue do all the heavy lifting in any great tacklebox.
The Bait Room
Of course, the secret to successfully fishing Okeechobee comes down to one thing: healthy shiners. The room is filled to the gills with massive tanks holding these baits—the kind of candy bass just can’t get enough of. Scott details the system they use to keep them healthy, ensuring that guides and guests have the best shot at hooking as many fish as possible.
Keeping the Roland Martin Marina Sharp
Managing a property this size isn’t easy—especially with Florida’s fast-growing grass. That’s why Exmark mowers play such a big role in the marina’s daily maintenance routine. The crew relies on the Lazer Z E-Series to handle wide-open areas, while the Commercial 21 tackles the tight spots with ease. Delivering the durability and cut quality needed to keep the grounds pristine, season after season.
As Scott says, without dependable equipment, it’d be nearly impossible to keep the property in shape. But with Exmark backing them up, the Martin family can keep their marina looking as good as the day his parents first dreamed it up.
