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Laguna Madre Guide Service is owned and operated by Captain Zach Dagel, a Marine Corps veteran with a Coast Guard 20-ton master license. Before founding this operation in 2017, Captain Zach spent decades guiding fishing trips across Northern Minnesota, the Great Lakes, Canada, California, the Dakota...
Own Laguna Madre Guide Service?
01 // DETAILS
Full description and what we offer
Laguna Madre Guide Service is owned and operated by Captain Zach Dagel, a Marine Corps veteran with a Coast Guard 20-ton master license. Before founding this operation in 2017, Captain Zach spent decades guiding fishing trips across Northern Minnesota, the Great Lakes, Canada, California, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Alaska's inside passage. He also worked as a professional quail guide on the prestigious King Ranch in South Texas and designed over 20 fishing products, including his "Captain Zach Dagel Signature Series Saltwater Tackle" and the Opti Planer board.
South Texas is a world-class duck hunting destination. The Lower Laguna Madre hosts 90% of all wintering Redhead ducks—flocks that can run into the tens of thousands. Captain Zach guides hunts for Redheads, Teal, Pintails, Bluebills, Mexican Mallards, Shovelers, Widgeons, Gadwalls, and Mexican Whistlers. Morning hunts depart early in a comfortable 25-foot Shallow Sport X3 Bay Boat. After decoys are set, hunters work from permanent blinds calling in multiple duck species in full winter plumage.
"There's nothing better than shooting beautiful ducks in full winter plumage, decoying into the spread. You think your wife has a hard time picking out a dress to wear to dinner, you are going to have a harder time deciding which ducks you want to take home to put on the wall!" — Captain Zach
Captain Zach targets a variety of inshore species year-round:
All fishing gear is provided. Inshore trips run 4–5 hours ($500 for 1–2 people) or 8 hours ($700), with $50 per additional person (up to 6 total). Live bait upgrade: $50.
When weather permits, offshore trips target Gulf species including red snapper, wahoo, cobia, triple tail, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, bonita, mahi-mahi, and beeline/vermillion snapper. Nearshore 4–5 hour trips: $600 (1–2 people); 8 hours: $800. Tarpon requires 5–7 hours ($600–$900) for long runs through rough waters. Red snapper offshore trips: 8 hours, $1,000 for 1–6 persons (seasonal Sept–May, weather dependent).
| Hunt Type | Duration | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dove (Fall) | 2–3 hrs | $300 (2 hunters min); $150 per additional gun |
| Sandhill Crane (Winter) | 4 hrs | $500 (2 hunters min); $150 per additional gun |
| Nilgai (Blue Bull) | Nighttime | Guided hunts on thousands of acres with Pulsar thermal optics |
| Predator (Coyote, Bobcat) | Variable | Expert tracking and calling techniques |
| Hog | Variable | Action-packed hunts under feeders; population management |
Dove hunting is famous across South Texas—over 11 million white-wing doves migrate through Texas headed to Mexico annually. Captain Zach offers morning and afternoon hunts on thousands of acres of private land with fantastic wing-shooting opportunities.
Sandhill Cranes, known as the "ribeye of the sky," stand 3–4 feet tall with 5+ foot wingspans and hunt in flocks of 2–100. Layout blinds over full-body decoys in vegetative fields provide perfect concealment. Requires migratory bird endorsement and crane permit (free at Texas Parks and Wildlife or $5 online).
Nilgai (blue bull) hunts use top-of-the-line Pulsar thermal optics on thousands of private acres. Predator hunts develop your tracking and calling skills while helping manage coyotes and bobcats. Hog hunts are abundant and challenging—wild hogs are plentiful in South Texas and hunting them also controls ecosystem damage.
Guns and ammunition available upon request for all hunts. Hunters must purchase their own fishing licenses and hunting stamps/endorsements before their trip.
Three-hour private tours for up to 6 people in the 25-foot bay boat:
Life jackets provided for all guests. Safe environment guaranteed.
Fishing Trips Supply: - Bait, fish cleaning and bagging, bottled water, ice chest, life jackets, fishing poles, first aid kit, fish finder, GPS, power pole
What to Bring: - Saltwater fishing license, sunscreen, polarized glasses, hat, weather-dependent clothing
Cancellation Policy: - $200 non-refundable deposit for trips canceled more than 48 hours before scheduled date. Captain Zach reschedules trips canceled due to inclement weather or unsafe boating conditions with no penalty.
Laguna Madre Guide Service 1471 Harbor Island Dr. Port Isabel, Texas 78578 (760) 604-3636 [email protected]
Veteran-owned and operated since 2017. Captain Zach is always willing to answer questions about fishing and hunting.
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