Meet Guide Justin Russell

Captain Justin Russell was raised with a rod in hand and a deep passion for the White River that runs through his veins. Inspired by his grandfather from an early age, Justin spent his childhood exploring every bend, gravel bar, and deep pool surrounding Hesperia, Michigan. That lifelong connection to local waters laid the foundation for J and J Brothers Guide Service. With years of dedicated guiding experience and countless hours spent studying seasonal fish migrations, Captain Justin brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to every river outing. His quiet confidence and genuine love for sharing the river turn a simple day outdoors into a rewarding learning experience.

What truly sets Captain Justin apart on the water is his patient, guest-focused approach to instruction. Whether guiding a seasoned angler fine-tuning their drift techniques or introducing a child to their very first river catch, he adapts every step to match your experience level. He takes pride in reading subtle changes in water levels, river clarity, and current seams, taking the guesswork out of locating active fish along the bank. His easygoing personality instantly makes guests feel comfortable, creating a relaxed, supportive environment where questions are welcomed and every hookset is celebrated.

For Captain Justin, guiding goes far beyond landing impressive fish—it is about honoring family traditions and building long-lasting relationships with every guest who steps onto the bank. Knowing the White River inside and out allows him to provide clear, step-by-step guidance on reading structure, picking the right rigs, and working current lines effectively. When you head out with Captain Justin, you are not just following a local guide; you are spending a peaceful morning on the water with a friendly local expert who treats every trip with the same care and enthusiasm as if he were fishing with his own family.

While many traditional river charters rely heavily on drift boats, J and J Brothers Guide Service specializes exclusively in authentic shore-based fishing trips. Instead of managing complex boat logistics, Captain Justin guides guests along the safest, most productive banks of the White River right near Hesperia, MI. This grounded, boat-free setup provides total stability, allowing anglers of all ages to stand on solid ground while casting directly into primary holding water. By eliminating open-water concerns and boat maintenance delays, this dedicated bank fishing approach keeps the entire focus where it belongs: on hands-on fishing, comfortable positioning, and enjoying an accessible adventure along West Michigan's finest riverbanks.