Hailing from Port Isabel, Captain Russell brings over four decades of experience fishing the shallow waters of the Lower Laguna Madre. At 57 years old, he is a highly skilled guide with strong local connections and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pursuing Redfish, Trout, and other popular species in South Texas. Fully licensed by the state of Texas and Coast Guard certified, Captain Russell possesses an intimate understanding of these waters and takes great satisfaction in offering dependable and enjoyable fishing excursions.
Guests fish aboard his 24-foot Carolina Skiff, designed for comfort and ideal for navigating the shallow bay areas. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just starting out, Captain Russell warmly welcomes all skill levels and ensures everyone feels comfortable and engaged throughout the trip.
For those interested in more than just fishing, Captain Russell also provides eco-tours featuring dolphin and bird watching, shell collecting, cast netting, snorkeling, and other nature-focused activities. These outings offer a relaxing, scenic, and unforgettable experience on the water. He is also flexible with pick-up locations to better accommodate your plans.
Having fished worldwide and worked as a guide myself, I highly recommend a fishing trip with Captain Russell. If you want to treat your family to an excellent day of fishing, he is undoubtedly the best choice. Despite windy conditions, he quickly had us catching fish frequently. My youngest, only seven years old, achieved a new personal best during our outing. We look forward to fishing with Captain Russell again!
Our time with Captain Russell was fantastic. We reached our Redfish limit along with several other fish species. My wife even landed what could be called a “quadruple crown” by catching a Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Drum all in one trip. After fishing, we enjoyed a private bar experience where we learned fascinating local history. Captain Russell’s knowledge of prime fishing spots is obvious—not only did we land plenty, but other guides often moved to his locations once we left.
Fishing with Russell was an enjoyable experience. He is familiar with both the fish and the area. While we wished for a few more catches, that’s the nature of fishing. Captain Russell did everything possible to keep us on the fish, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip with him in the future.
You can cancel your booking without any charge if you do so at least three days prior to your trip date, and the amount will be credited back to your account. If you cancel within three 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 cost being billed to your card.
Please bring sunscreen, hats, and polarized glasses for your comfort. Live bait is available for an extra charge. Rods, reels, tackle, ice, and live bait are provided.
Start your day with a relaxed meet-up around 8 AM with Captain Russell for an easygoing yet rewarding cruise along the South Texas coastline. Board his 24-foot Carolina Skiff bay boat and begin the morning by visiting local shrimp boats—Captain Russell has friendly ties with their crews. Along the way, enjoy sightings of dolphins, diving birds, and an intimate view of daily life on the water.
Next, power south toward the Mexican border to explore secluded beaches, take a refreshing swim, and search for unique shells. On the journey back to Port Isabel, get ready to cast your lines for some exciting speckled trout fishing in the shallow waters. This trip offers a perfect blend of the Lower Laguna’s wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and excellent fishing opportunities.
