Captain Russell Smith, 'Captain Russ', has been fishing the waters of Alabama for more than 50 years, 45 as a licensed captain.  Born and raised in Foley, Alabama, Captain Russ began fishing and crabbing on his own at age 12.  "I began in the bays on a boat with a little outdoor motor," said the Captain.  At age 13, he hired on as a deck hand aboard the Holiday Queen and kept that job through-out high school.

During a school sponsored charity event, Captain Russ found he not only loved fishing, but flying as well.  At the event, students were allowed to fly for $ .02 per pound.  Russell, not yet a captain, and a bunch of his friends paid to fly.  "I like this! I have to do this.  So, I went out and started pilot school." said Captain Russ.

Captain Russ got both a captain's license as well as a pilot's license when he was 19 years old and bought his first boat when he was 21.  He had this boat for three years before selling it and purchasing his next boat, J. J., then the Wendy II.  Captain Russ realized, while working as a deck hand, that he loved the job and his love for it continued as he pursued his own charter business.  "It's all I have ever done. I love to fish. I love to watch people catch fish."

As if flying and fishing were not exciting enough, Captain Russ is also a diving instructor.  He has dived all over the world.  He mentions diving in the Bahamas, Cancun, Cozumel and Belize...with Belize being his favorite.   He said, "I would fly to Belize and dive.  I would see huge schools of snapper and tarpon.  Huge grouper would stay just out of your reach.  They would not look at you, they just sensed you were there and would stay just out of touch."  When asked if he still dives, Captain Russ said, "Not much.  I went to Belize last year, but other than that, I get under the bottom of these boats.  That's the extent of my (diving) excitement!" 

His favorite type fishing trip is for tuna.  He recalls, "One trip we caught about 50 yellow fin! That was a fun trip."  "Kids are our specialty, though.  We cater to kids and families." When asked if anything crazy had happened on a trip, Captain Russ said, "Well, we never had anybody fall off the boat...thank goodness."

Last year, Captain Russ' wife was diagnosed with lung cancer.  At that time he owned the Outcast, a 65 foot multi-passenger boat.  He decided to sell the boat so he could stay home and take care of his wife.  

She passed away right after he sold the boat.  After some time, his two daughters, Delinda and Amanda, convinced him to purchase another boat. 

In April of 2011, Captain Russ purchased Git'n It On from its owner in Texas and just recently purchased Top Cat.  Captain Russ holds an Unlimited License, which means he can fish Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.  He says, "I know where the fish are and I can take you there."

If you are in the area and want to stop in and say 'hello' to Captain Russ, his boats are docked at SanRoc Cay Marina in Orange Beach.  If he isn't out fishing, he can usually be found at the marina because, "Owning a boat is non-stop work." 

"I've been doing it a long time and still love it!" ~ Captain Russ