Gatorin' Tails & Tales

A Legacy of Family, Faith, and Florida Alligator Trapping

Step into the wild heart of old Florida where family, faith, and fearless gatorin’ shape a legacy like no other.

Dr. Charles D. (“Charlie”) Rentz is a sixth-generation native Floridian whose roots run deep into the swamps and sands of the Sunshine State. His ancestors first came to Florida from the Island of Minorca off the coast of Spain, arriving as indentured servants in 1768. Over the centuries, their stories of grit, faith, and survival were passed down through generations, from Charlie’s great-great-grandparents to his mother and grandfather.

Taught by his grandfather, Charlie learned the art (and danger) of gatorin’ firsthand. Today, as a licensed nuisance alligator trapper, he carries on a centuries-old legacy built on courage, family, and faith.

In Gatorin’ Tails & Tales, Charlie shares true stories from a lifetime of chasing gators, honoring his ancestors, and preserving the rich oral tradition of Florida’s backcountry life. These tales—sometimes wild, sometimes heartfelt, always unforgettable—capture the spirit of a Florida few still remember, but one worth keeping alive. He has written this book so that others, including his own children, will know and share this heritage for generations to come.