Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Russell.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a love for fishing and trying to break it down to a science. I would study fish and what they ate, how they moved and what makes them tick pretty much. Around four years ago I wanted to bring the knowledge and experience of fishing to those that didn’t know where to start. Fishing is way more than throwing a line and getting lucky although sometimes it is luck that gets you the bite there is some skill that needs to be known as well. I started a YouTube channel Bite&Fight Angler which is where my true passion lies in teaching. My wife Ashley Russell, convinced me that I should start making my own baits for personal use, so I did. They worked great and I started giving them to close friends to use as well. They told me that I should give selling them a shot so that was the next step and I already had the YouTube channel. That is how Bite&Fight Angler came about. The company has grown way more than I had ever dreamed of back then.
Also having the lures and apparel on the website www.biteandfightangler.com has made it where not only locals can purchase from us. We have went nationwide with sales, but we still only do the more local fishing shows. The brand has put me in a place that only could have been God’s doing. I never planned it this way or wanted to necessarily want to make lures it just kind of fell in my lap. I am grateful for it for sure because now I get to talk and teach fishing with the brand and meet so many great people. It has allowed me to build friendships in the fishing community and I wouldn’t change anything I have been through on this journey of building a brand from the ground up. I have an amazing group that helps out with promoting the brand now and we have a lot of plans for the future of things we want to do! I want to thank everyone that supports us and shows us love at all of the shows. I wouldn’t want to be a part of any other community. Without y’all there is no Bite&Fight Angler and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not always been smooth or easy. I still work in the chemical plant construction, so there is long hours at work and then pushing this at the same time. We produce everything ourselves so there are a lot of sleepless nights and long days. I would much rather chase a dream than sleep though.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bite&Fight Angler. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are more than just lures and apparel. We are a lifestyle. Everyone every time they go fishing are looking for a good bite and a good fight from a fish. That is what we are all about is providing the apparel, lures and knowledge to help you get just that. We are known for our Haymaker style lure. It has been our top seller for all three years we have been making them. I believe what sets us apart from others is we are reachable. There isn’t a number you call and no one answers. I answer it is my personal number and my personal email. I want you to know your questions will be answered and not wondering.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t call it luck. I believe it is God’s plan. I didn’t ever plan any of this to have luck on my side to achieve it. It just happened and it is still growing. I really believe this is my calling and I love it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.biteandfightangler.com
- Instagram: @bitefightangler
- Facebook: @BiteandFightAngler
- Youtube: Bite&Fight Angler
