Russ Wheeler
Captain

Russ Wheeler

Aransas Pass, United States
100+ reviews
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.

Charter

Rating

4.9
149 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (149)

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) • 2 adults • 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
    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) • 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!"

    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) • 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) • 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!

    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) • 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
    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

Real catches shared by our community

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

What's biting with Coastal Rod Bender in Aransas Pass

The waters are at their hottest following the summer rays, and a whole load of new fish come to the fore. Go after Tarpon and Bull Reds in the shallows, along with delicious Mahi Mahi and Mackerel further out. 

Top catches for September