Thursday, March 10, 2011

A Fishermen's Paradise: Port Aransas Texas

By Wesley Mathews


The Texas Gulf Coast has long been recognized as a deep-sea angler's paradise - and with a variety of accommodations which range from cabin rentals directly on the beach to luxury condominium rentals & exclusive hotels, Port Aransas is among the top locations in this region to set up a center of operations for your next fishing holiday. Select from one of the intimate Port Aransas romantic getaways like B&B's or other Port Aransas vacation rentals - you will discover alternatives to suit every timetable & budget. Take a look at the free lodgings manual at the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Website: http://www.PortAransas/org/download/Stay&Play09.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Once you have secured your lodgings, it's time to arrange your fishing excursion. Here, you've got a number of different options; there are excellent reasons that Port Aransas is known as the "Fishing Capital of Texas." Anglers of all ages plus ability levels will find the ideal fishing experience, whether it's casting a line into the surf off the beach, dropping a line off a pier or jetty, fly fishing within one of the area's bays or channels, or taking to the wide open sea. Port Aransas offers 4 lighted piers intended for fishing day or night; veteran sailors will be able to take their own vessels out from Port A's well-stocked marinas or use one of several of the city's skilled guides who will take anglers out into the gulf where the massive fish are located.

Closer to shore, fishermen frequently catch their daily limit of redfish, flounder, mackerel, drumfish, kingfish, plus trout. Further out, billfish like marlin, tarpon, mahi-mahi, tuna and even shark can be reeled in within a short time. When chartering a deep-sea fishing charter, you can assume to pay approximately $500 for a half-day expedition and $1000 for a full, 8 hour day. Most of the boats can accommodate six to eight anglers and will provide bait in addition to tackle, including these within the charter fee (you will need to bring along your own food and drink, though).

The type of fish you may expect to reel in depends on the time of the year; it's usually a great idea to visit the local docks and marinas at the time when the anglers return for the day's weigh-ins so that you can view what's running at the time. Aggressive anglers will be glad to understand that fishing tournaments with significant cash prizes are held nearly every weekend throughout the summer. Realize though that during the summer season, Port Aransas will get incredibly crowded; this small city of less than 5,000 regularly swells to between ten and twelve times that number at the height of tourist season. Luckily, there are big fish and little running practically year 'round.

Once you have reeled in your catch, you can take your prize to any of the local eating establishments where local chefs will cook it to your taste. Before you visit Port Aransas for your fishing trip, you will want to visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/ to learn about fishing regulations plus licensing requirements as well as limits and boating safety advice.




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