Coastal Rod Bender
Coastal Rod Bender
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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (203)
+200Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
90%
Apr 26, 2024
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours)
Awesome time w/ Capt. Russ
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!"
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...
Captain replied
Aug 12, 2023
Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours)
Fishing with Russ
Apr 22, 2023
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours)
chill captain
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!
Took my future FIL and my special needs SIL on our first fishing trip together. Captain Russ was calm, flexible with time and...
Captain replied
Jun 8, 2024
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours)
Fantastic day of fishing!
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!
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...
Captain replied
San Antonio, Texas
Aug 12, 2022
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours)
Great day with Capt. Russ
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
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...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (203)
+200Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Awesome time w/ Capt. Russ
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on April 26, 2024
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!"
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fishing with Russ
Half Day Trip (4–5 Hours) on August 12, 2023
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
chill captain
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on April 22, 2023
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!
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fantastic day of fishing!
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on June 8, 2024
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!
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!
San Antonio, Texas
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great day with Capt. Russ
Full Day Trip (6–7 Hours) on August 12, 2022
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
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...
FAQs about Coastal Rod Bender
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