Coastal Rod Bender 

4.9
(149 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Conn Brown Harbor, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, United States–

Coastal Rod Bender 

Aransas Pass, TX, United States
–
23 ft
4
4.9
(149 reviews)

Captain Russ Wheeler of Coastal Rod Bender covers famous fishing grounds such as Rockport, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, and Corpus Christi. He prides himself on achieving exceptional results both for beginners and experienced anglers, and families with young children are always welcome.

You will be fishing aboard a comfortable 23' Haynie Cat center console that offers a stable and dry ride. Powered by a 250 HP Mercury Pro XS engine, the boat runs fast to the fishing spots. The super quiet Minn Kota Trolling Motor will allow you to get up close to the fish and perfect your cast.

Capt. Russ specializes in sight casting, bay, flats, and wade fishing. He uses live and/or fresh dead bait, and/or artificial lures depending on your preference and how the fish are biting on the day. You may do some drift fishing, letting your bait float naturally in the water, or you can practice sight fishing, throwing your bait or lures out towards the fish.

These are abundant waters, so there's no shortage when it comes to the species you can target. Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Sheepshead all call these waters their home, and are all potential targets.

Don't forget to buy a valid Texas saltwater fishing license before your trip.

Get on board Coastal Rod Bender and experience fishing in some of the most productive waters off the coast of Texas!

Captain Russ Wheeler of Coastal Rod Bender covers famous fishing grounds such as Rockport, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, and Corpus Christi. He prides himself on achieving exceptional results both for beginners and experienced anglers, and families with young children are always welcome.

You will be fishing aboard a comfortable 23' Haynie Cat center console that offers a stable and dry ride. Powered by a 250 HP Mercury Pro XS engine, the boat runs fast to the fishing spots. The super quiet Minn Kota Trolling Motor will allow you to get up close to the fish and perfect your cast.

Capt. Russ specializes in sight casting, bay, flats, and wade fishing. He uses live and/or fresh dead bait, and/or artificial lures depending on your preference and how the fish are biting on the day. You may do some drift fishing, letting your bait float naturally in the water, or you can practice sight fishing, throwing your bait or lures out towards the fish.

These are abundant waters, so there's no shortage when it comes to the species you can target. Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Sheepshead all call these waters their home, and are all potential targets.

Don't forget to buy a valid Texas saltwater fishing license before your trip.

Get on board Coastal Rod Bender and experience fishing in some of the most productive waters off the coast of Texas!

Russ Wheeler
Captain
Russ Wheeler
16 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Oct 20
Black Drum
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Oct 20
Black Drum
Redfish
Flounder
Speckled Trout
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
149 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (205)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

Reviews (149)

  • Ron Johnson
    Ron Johnson
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome time w/ Capt. Russ

    Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on April 26, 2024 • 2 adults

    20-30mph winds and cloudy, combined with first time on a charter. I was anxious. When we met w/Capt. Russ, he gave us a brief explanation of his game plan and he ansewerd a few questions. We set off. 2hrs in, weather getting worse, we are casting in our 3rd spot. After a few minutes, bang, 29in red. Then the reds started hitting. My friend and I limited out in 2 hrs. Even though the wheather was bad enough a fishing tournament got canceled, Capt. Russ got us on the fish. He kept bait on the hooks and gave clear direction where to cast. I'm certain without his knowledge and expertise, we would not have caught any fish today. "...put it in the cooler!"

  • Laura Strittmatter
    Laura Strittmatter
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic day of fishing!

    Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on June 8, 2024 • 4 adults

    We had a fantastic day of fishing with Captain Russ! He really knows the area and he knows fishing. He put us right on fish in multiple areas around the bay and we limited out early on speckled trout. We learned a lot and really enjoyed his company. My new favorite guide! We will be booking with him again in the future. Excellent fishing guide!

  • Thad Harvill
    Thad Harvill
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day with Capt. Russ

    Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on August 12, 2022 • 3 adults

    We were very lucky to get this trip in because I called Captain Russ at the last minute and he is very accommodating. We've gone out with several guides in the area over the past few years. And Captain Russ is at the top of our list as far as his knowledge and willingness to work very very hard to ensure that everybody on the boat is safe and has a good time. We limited out on specs in a short amount of time. His attitude hands down is what made the trip. He was great with JJ our 15-year-old son and with my wife Kim helping them and teaching them along the way of the proper ways to set the hook and be patient. Can't wait to go out again with Captain Russ hopefully sooner than later. We will definitely be coming back

  • Michael Yetto
    Michael Yetto
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome half day trip

    Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on June 19, 2022 • 3 adults • 1 child

    I have been on guided fishing trips all over the US and this was one of the best. There is no doubt captain Russ knows the bays and what he is doing. We were 1 shy of a three person limit, but lost a few and had a few undersized we had to throw back. The best part of the trip was watching Captain Russ spend the time with my 7 year old. He took the time to make sure my son caught fish (he caught the most fish of the day) and he had a genuine care making sure my son drank enough water since it was a hot day. I would not hesitate to recommend this guide and I will be booking more trips with Captain Russ.

  • Gerry Park
    Gerry Park
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Fishing Trip

    Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on March 17, 2022 • 3 adults

    We picked an “Not so Friendly” day on the water…they sky’s were grey, a light drizzle and the winds were 10-15 kts. The Red Fish wouldn’t bite, no matter what Capt. Russ tried. So we went to go find some “Big Uglies!” Fishing with 2 Teenage Boys, we NEEDED some ACTION! DID WE FIND IT!!! Capt. Russ used his knowledge of the water depths and the currents in the channel and told us where to drop our lines…. Within 30 mins we had landed 4 Black Drum! They ranged in size of 46 inches down to 38 inches. Thank you, Capt. Russ the boys and I had a BLAST!

  • Jason Little
    Jason Little
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip, great guide!

    Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on September 1, 2024 • 2 adults • 1 child

    Russ is great! Had 2 12 yr old girls, with one being her first time fishing. The bite has been tough the last 3/4 weeks with water temps etc but we grinde it out and caught fish and were getting bites all morning. Would highly recommend!

  • Alex Brake
    Alex Brake
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Full day trip

    Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on June 13, 2021 • 2 adults

    This was only our second time on a guided trip! Captain Russ was fantastic at communicating with a location change 2 days in advance. When asked why the change, he said fishing was better in this area and so we agreed. Afterall, I was paying someone who knew more about the area than i did! I wanted to fish for red fish, Captain Russ told me that they just werent hitting like they did earlier in the year. So we went for trout that were hitting fairly well. After a short day, we caught our limit of trout and 1 Red. Largest trout: 21 inches. Largest Red: 27 inches. All and all, I thank Captain Russ for putting us on fish then allowing us to put in the work! If you dont believe me... let me tell you that no one he knew was able to limit out the way we did!

  • Jason Higham
    Jason Higham
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    1/2 day with Capt Russ

    Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on July 1, 2023 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Great Day with Capt Russ. He was awesome to fish with and a wealth of knowledge!! My son’s first salt water fishing experience and it was epic!!! Highly recommend!!

  • Andrew Decker
    Andrew Decker
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    Morning CATCHING Trout

    Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on May 19, 2023 • 2 adults

    Enjoyed taking my adult son with Down Syndrome fishing on the bay. Captain Russ was patient and kind. He helped my son know what to do. Russ found the right spot and we had a GREAT morning CATCHING fish.

  • Jose Alvarado
    Jose Alvarado
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Russ.

    Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on May 28, 2022 • 4 adults

    We booked a half day trip with Captain Russ and we had a blast. Captain Russ knew exactly where to go to catch the big ones. We caught plenty of fish and it was so much fun.

Rating

4.9
149 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (205)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (149)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 149 reviews
Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
We had a blast!
Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on March 12, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

It was a great time for my 10yo son and me. It was tough at the beginning but Russ got us into them at the end! Russ is laid back and great w kids. Definitely will come back!

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Redfish
Black Drum
Russ Wheeler
Response from Captain

Thanks to you and Levi for hanging in there!

Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson
us
Texas, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Awesome time w/ Capt. Russ
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on April 26, 2024 • 2 adults

20-30mph winds and cloudy, combined with first time on a charter. I was anxious. When we met w/Capt. Russ, he gave us a brief explanation of his game plan and he ansewerd a few questions. We set off. 2hrs in, weather getting worse, we are casting in our 3rd spot. After a few minutes, bang, 29in red. Then the reds started hitting. My friend and I limited out in 2 hrs. Even though the wheather was bad enough a fishing tournament got canceled, Capt. Russ got us on the fish. He kept bait on the hooks and gave clear direction where to cast. I'm certain without his knowledge and expertise, we would not have caught any fish today. "...put it in the cooler!"

Russ Wheeler
Response from Captain

Thank you Ron and Derek! Very much enjoyed the day with ya'll. Lots of fun and laughs. Enjoy the fish. Russ

Larry Hall
Larry Hall
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2021
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Russ
Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on August 12, 2023 • 2 adults

Stephanie Anderson
Stephanie Anderson
Repeat angler
us
Kansas, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
chill captain
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on April 22, 2023 • 4 adults

Took my future FIL and my special needs SIL on our first fishing trip together. Captain Russ was calm, flexible with time and catered to our needs. He was patient with my SIL and helped my FIL (who is older) cast and reel in fish. Even though fish werent biting like crazy we were still able to take home 5 decent sized fish for dinner! Overall the experience was great and Cap Russ was very knowledgeable about the surroundings. Very safe. I will definitely book with again in the future.! Thanks so much for a great trip and the shrimp!

Russ Wheeler
Response from Captain

It was certainly an Honor to have all of you. Lizzy is so sweet, and your FIL is such a kind man. Congratulations again for finishing school and starting your career. Be safe on your travels and future endeavors. Russ

Laura Strittmatter
Laura Strittmatter
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2024
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fantastic day of fishing!
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on June 8, 2024 • 4 adults

We had a fantastic day of fishing with Captain Russ! He really knows the area and he knows fishing. He put us right on fish in multiple areas around the bay and we limited out early on speckled trout. We learned a lot and really enjoyed his company. My new favorite guide! We will be booking with him again in the future. Excellent fishing guide!

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Redfish
Russ Wheeler
Response from Captain

Thank you for coming out today. Great day of catching and released several nice ones. Happy to see your Oversized Red. It was a great fight. Take care and be safe. See ya'll next time around Russ

FAQs about Coastal Rod Bender

Coastal Rod Bender offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Coastal Rod Bender, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box Food Cooler & Fish Cooler
Trips booked with Coastal Rod Bender include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Bait is included.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and packaging is included.)
Coastal Rod Bender offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Coastal Rod Bender offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Coastal Rod Bender include:
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Speckled Trout

Your captain

Russ Wheeler
Russ Wheeler

Aransas Pass, Texas, United States

2 Fishing Reports
149 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since August 2016

Captain Russ Wheeler has 28 years of experience fishing the waters of South Texas. Not only is he a very experienced and family friendly charter boat captain, he is also a certified Bird & Wildlife Guide, and he will be more than happy to share his knowledge of the area's amazing flora and fauna throughout your fishing trip.

Russ Wheeler
Russ Wheeler
2
reports
149
reviews
2016
member since
~1h
response
Captain Russ Wheeler has 28 years of experience fishing the waters of South Texas. Not only is he a very experienced and family friendly charter boat captain, he is also a certified Bird & Wildlife Guide, and he will be more than happy to share his knowledge of the area's amazing flora and fauna throughout your fishing trip.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead

Real catches by this captain

  • We had a blast!
    Josh M.
    Josh M.
  • Fishing with Russ
    Michael H.
    Michael H.
  • Fantastic day of fishing!
    Laura S.
    Laura S.
  • Awesome time w/ Capt. Russ
    Ron J.
    Ron J.
  • Most enjoyable guided trip I’ve been on
    James H.
    James H.
  • Half day trip with Capt Russ
    Jon M.
    Jon M.
  • 1/2 day with Capt Russ
    Jason H.
    Jason H.
  • Morning CATCHING Trout
    Andrew D.
    Andrew D.
  • Lots of Fish
    Jeff B.
    Jeff B.
  • Great day with Capt. Russ
    Thad H.
    Thad H.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2012
Boat manufacturer
Haynie
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Food Cooler & Fish Cooler
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Bait is included.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and packaging is included.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Please 5 yrs and up.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Aransas Pass right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
FlounderFlounder
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

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Current
Coastal Rod Bender
Coastal Rod Bender
State licensed
4.9
(149)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+4
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500