*NO CATCH, NO PAY*

Big John’s Fishing Guide is a private fishing charter in Port Isabel, Texas that offers fun and unique trips on the Lower Laguna Madre. Join Captain John Ruiz in exploring inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing spots, as well as visiting reefs and flats along the way.

Captain John’s comfy 21’ Shallow Stalker saltwater fishing boat can take up to 6 people and is powered by a 200 HP E-TEC engine. It’s got GPS and fishfinder systems which add to trip safety and will take you to the fish fast. The boat’s equipped with a livewell, and it features a multimedia system and ice-box.

Some of the numerous species you’ll encounter on your trip include Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, and Pompano. Using light or heavy tackle, you’ll be bottom fishing, deep sea fishing, trolling, popping, and drift fishing. Captain John welcomes all kids on his boat, so take your whole family and have a great time on the sea.

Big John’s Fishing Guide’s got you covered for all reels, rods, terminal tackle, lures, as well as drinks. You may only want to pack some food, and don’t forget to bring your fishing licenses.

Enjoy Laguna Madre’s fascinating scenery and have a fun and enjoyable fishing trip with Big John’s Fishing Guide.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip - Afternoon
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $575
    Start your trip at 2:00 p.m. and spend the afternoon and evening fishing in Lower Laguna Madre. You'll only need your licenses, and you may as well packs some food.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip - Morning
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $575
    Spend 5 early hours fishing some great spots in Lower Laguna Madre. You just need to bring your licenses and packs some food, and you can start your journey.
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Big John's Fishing Guide

Big John's Fishing Guide offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $575 per group, additional US $125 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip - Afternoon (5 hours)
  • US $575 per group, additional US $125 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip - Morning (5 hours)

When you book a trip with Big John's Fishing Guide, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Big John's Fishing Guide include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Drinks

Big John's Fishing Guide offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Flats Fishing

Big John's Fishing Guide offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Big John's Fishing Guide include:
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout

Meet the Captain

John Ruiz
Port Isabel, Texas, United States
4 Customer reviews
Response time 5 hours
Member since March 2020
Captain John Ruiz and his charter have got over 30 years of experience and they guarantee you'll return with a catch of a lifetime. You're not going fishing, you're going catchin'!

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Flounder Flounder
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Boat specs

Shallow Stalker (Bay boat) originally built in 2014. Powered by a 200HP 200 Etec engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Popping
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Drinks

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Disabled Accessible

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

Port Isabel Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 4 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (5)
Fishing trip of excellence!!!
Fishing trip of excellence!!!
Fishing trip of excellence!!!
+2
Angler rating
4
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
4 of 4 reviews
Barry B.
San Benito, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain John

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip - Afternoon on June 7, 2023
Excellent captain! John put us in the fish and we limited out. Had a absolutely great time. Super friendly and helpful! I highly...
Barry B. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
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Barry B. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
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Raul S.
Pharr, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip of excellence!!!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip - Morning on July 1, 2022
Captain Big John is awesome, highly recommended. Will spend quality time answering any questions you may have. And will definitely...
Raul S. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Raul S. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Leslie S.
Levelland, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with John

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip - Morning on December 28, 2021
None better . Excellent guide , put us on the fish and kept us fishing non stop
Leslie S. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Leslie S. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Brian P.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip - Morning on June 16, 2021
Captain John worked hard to get us in the fish, never gave up. Great job, hard worker, nice guy!
Brian P. recommends Big John's Fishing Guide
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  John Ruiz Captain replied