Raised in Port Isabel, Captain Russell brings over four decades of experience fishing the shallow Lower Laguna Madre waters. At 57 years old, he is a highly skilled guide with strong local knowledge and an extensive background in pursuing Redfish, Trout, and many beloved South Texas species. Fully licensed by the state of Texas and Coast Guard certified, Captain Russell is intimately familiar with the area, ensuring every outing is both productive and enjoyable.
Guests will fish aboard his 24-foot Carolina Skiff, designed for comfort and ideal for maneuvering through shallow spots. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a beginner, Captain Russell welcomes anglers of all levels and strives to make everyone feel comfortable and confident on the water.
For those interested in activities beyond fishing, Captain Russell also offers eco-tours featuring dolphin and bird watching, shell collecting, cast netting, snorkeling, and more, creating a relaxing and scenic adventure on the water that’s perfect for the whole family. He’s flexible with pick-up locations to accommodate your needs.
Having guided on numerous waters globally, I can confidently recommend a trip with Captain Russell. He provides an exceptional fishing experience that’s perfect for family outings. Despite windy conditions, he had us catching fish consistently early on. My 7-year-old even landed his personal best during our time together. We look forward to fishing with Captain Russell again!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Captain Russell. Not only did we reach our limit of Redfish along with several other species, but my wife also scored an impressive “quadruple crown” by catching a Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Drum. After the trip, we were invited to a private bar where we soaked up fascinating local history. It was clear Captain Russell knows exactly where the fish are — evidenced not only by our success but also because other captains moved in on his spots.
Spending time with Russell was a great experience. He is knowledgeable about the fish and the region. Though the catch count was slightly lower than hoped, that’s simply part of fishing. Russell did everything possible to help us find fish, and I would definitely book another outing with him.
You can cancel your booking without any charges up to 3 days prior to your scheduled trip and get a refund credited back to your account. If you cancel within 3 days of the trip, your deposit will be retained by the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or if you fail to show up will result in the full trip amount being charged to your card.
Please remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and polarized sunglasses. Live bait is available for an extra charge. Rods, reels, and tackle are provided.
Looking for a relaxed and exciting adventure fishing for reds, trout, snook, and more? Captain Russell in South Padre Island is your go-to guide! Whether you want to target a trophy using artificial lures or simply enjoy a laid-back day reeling in fish for the sheer pleasure of the sport, these trips cater to both novices and seasoned anglers alike. It's a fantastic way to experience the beauty and abundant fishing opportunities of the South Texas coast.
This outing focuses exclusively on light tackle and artificial baits, making it a fun and challenging experience. Since live bait isn't needed, the trip is offered at a discounted rate. If you prefer fishing with live bait, Captain Russell offers other trips—check out the listings below for different options. You'll have the chance to catch popular sportfish such as Speckled Trout, Redfish, Black Drum, and Snook, all known for their spirited fights on topwater plugs, jig heads, or swimbaits.
Your adventure begins as you step aboard Captain Russell’s 24-foot Carolina Skiff, a perfect vessel for smoothly exploring the bays and shallow flats thanks to its shallow draft. Everything you need for a great fishing experience—including rods, reels, and tackle—is provided. Just bring any snacks or drinks you want, sunscreen, and your Texas Fishing License, and Captain Russell will handle the rest to ensure you have an unforgettable day on the water.
