Helllloooooo everyone!! I’m sorry I’ve been on a small hiatus. I’ve been enjoying my “vacation” here in Port Aransas. Let’s be real! I “vacation” all year long!

Living in Port Aransas I get asked quite often if I enjoy Port Aransas fishing and the answer is “no,” and that answer tends to surprise people. I live on the Coast. The Ocean is basically my backyard, shouldn’t I like fishing? But the truth is I’m far from your fisherman… or fisherwoman. I enjoy taking the cooler out and keeping my husband company from time to time, and eating any delicious aquatic animals he catches for dinner, but I don’t have the patience for fishing.

Although I may not be the person to ask any fishing advice from I do know there are plenty of highly capable and knowledgeable people around the area that you can reach out to and are always happy to help.

Do some research

If I’m going anywhere new or trying out a new activity I try to do as much research as possible. If you happen to find yourself in my neck of the woods…. Or should I say water? I’d start by looking up Corpusfishingclub.com. Their website if full of great information for both experienced anglers and beginning fisherman. Find information about licensing and policy as well as how to earn rewards and money through contesting and fishing in the area. Can’t find an answer? That’s okay! They also respond quickly to questions and can provide you with an interactive fishing map to with active fishing spots throughout the Corpus Christi and Port Aransas area.

Find a guide

If you would like a little more guidance before heading out on a fishing trip find a guide.  Deep Sea Headquarters is a great place to find a guide to help you on trip. This website does a great job of highlighting the guides and their specialties depending on what you may be looking to catch or accomplish during your time with us here in Port Aransas.

Monitor the elements

Before booking your trip make sure to monitor the weather and the what is biting in the area. We want you to have a great experience with us and we don’t want you going home empty handed. The Texas Parks and Wildlife website tpwd.texas.gov provides a great weekly Port Aransas fishing report to also help on your trip here. Currently here in Port Aransas the trout, redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers. Redfish are fair around Pelican Island on shrimp. Offshore is good for red snapper and kingfish in state waters.

Book your trip

After doing your own research, speaking with a guide you’re ready to set a date to come visit Port Aransas and fish at the all of the hot spots. We have over 700 properties for you to choose from some close to the bay and others nestled inland. Start planning and book your trip soon!

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:

May 28, 2017 48 hr Trip Tommy Frank and Bob Matteson hauled in a 105 # Black grouper caught aboard the Pelican with Capt. James Wheeler

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH

Next week is the Port Aransas Beach to Bay and if you have never experienced Beach to Bay you’re missing out. Beach to Bay is one of the largest relay races with the best atmosphere! There are a total of six legs with each leg ranging from 4-5 miles that expand over the coast and allow runners to experience various parts of the Corpus Christi area.

If you’re looking to run or maybe supporting a runner next weekend for Beach to Bay make the most out of your trip to the Coastal Bend. There are plenty of great places to stay, eat and play! For all of my out of town friends who come in for the race I always recommend these four places.

The Beach!

How can you come to the Coastal Bend and not visit at least one of our beaches? You can’t! Beach to Bay weekend always brings great warm weather, and after a long race, what better way to celebrate or recover than with a nice relaxing beach day! If you didn’t already know we have more than five beaches for you to choose from. There is something for everyone and every activity. So whether you want to lay out, fish, or jet ski the Coastal Bend has you covered.

The Lexington

Visiting the Lexington is also a must! The Lexington is one of the Coastal Bends greatest and most prized treasures. Take a tour back in time on the “Blue Ghost” and see upfront and personal an actual WWII aircraft carrier. Check out there MEGAtheater and capture some awesome Instagram worthy selfies on the ship.

The Texas State Aquarium

You’re in luck!! The Texas State Aquarium just added a whole new and improved wing with new and fun exhibits for everyone in the family to enjoy. I’m not kidding! I love the Otter exhibit and I’m super excited to check out the new Caribbean Sea Shark Exhibit. Be one of the first to experience these exhibits while you’re in town.

Schlitterbahn

I’m a fan of waterparks! Who doesn’t love the luxury of sitting in the pool and drinking a nice cool drink. I know I do!!! One of my favorite things about Schlitterbahn is that the kids can go and enjoy the waterpark area while I relax by the pool. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy going down the water slides from time to time but after my leg you won’t catch me climbing up steps. Schlitterbahn on the Island also has a lodge, golf course and an amazing brunch bar.

It’s not too late to register for Port Aransas Beach to Bay or just come for the weekend to visit. You’ll be surprised at all the fun things to do here in the Coastal Bend and all the great sites to see. I hope you have a great run and an even better time visiting us!

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:

8 Hr Trips had nice catches of Ling, King Mackeral, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Jack Crevalle, Blue Runner Great Barracuda, Vermillion Snapper and Mahi Mahi.
10 Hr –  Wahoo, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks and Jack Crevalle.
Bay Trips – Gafftops and Whiting.
Private Bay Guides – Black Drum, Redfish and Trout.
Mike Payne and friends from Houston, Texas had a fun day fishing while Phillippe Gay hauled in a nice 43 # Wahoo, aboard the Pelican with Capt. James Wheeler.

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:

8 Hr Trips caught Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks & Jack Crevalle.

12 Hr Trips had a nice catch of Scamps, Vermillion Snapper, Lane Snapper, King Mackeral, African Pompano, Ling, Barracuda, Wahoo, Knobled Porgy and Black Tip Shark.

Bay Trip – Gafftop, Whiting and Sand Trout.

Bay Guides – Redfish and a few Trout.

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:
8 Hr Trips King Mackeral, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Mahi Mahi, Jack Crevalle, Rabbit Fish, Spanish Mackeral, Ling and a 102# Blacktip Shark.
30 Hr Trips Vermillion Snapper, Black Fin Tuna, Yellowedge Grouper, King Mackeral, Wahoo and a 18# Mahi Mahi.

Bay Trips caught Gafftops and Whiting.
Private Bay Guides have been bringing back Redfish and Black Drum.

4-9-17 Thomas Koederitz from Austin, TX caught a nice 18# Mahi Mahi while aboard the Pelican 30 Hr with Capt. James Wheeler.
4-9-17  Ed Faurie from Leander, TX stands by his 102# Black Tip Shark while aboard the KingFisher 8 Hr with Capt. Marvin Horner.

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH

Plan the Perfect Beach Day in Port A!

As the days get longer and warmer beach days become a weekly thing for my family and I. My family and I love to be outdoors. Hiking, water skiing, biking if it involves being outside we love it, but there is something about hanging out and relaxing at the beach that we enjoy most of all!
Although I’m sure you’ll have fun at the beach no matter what, I find that I have an even more enjoyable time when I plan accordingly.

I’ve made a list to help you plan the perfect beach day while visiting Port A.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME TO GO

Texas weather can be a bit unpredictable some days, but for the most part you are looking at warm sunny weather most of the year. However, we do have our occasional cold and rainy season, but Port Aransas has the best lodging and dining specials that you can take advantage of all year long.

Spring time weather averages in the 70s with the occasional cold front that likes to blow through especially during Spring Break. I usually begin my week in a winter coat and end it in a swimsuit!

May through September tends to be some of the hottest months of the year reaching well over a 100 degrees during the day. I usually try to plan our beach trips earlier during the day or as the sun goes down. I personally love this weather, but I know it’s not for everyone so please be mindful when planning your trip to Port A this time of year.

October through January varies in temperature. We luck out with some warm weather during this time but overall it tends to be a little chillier than us Texans are used to.

Weekends tend to be the busiest times to go to the beach especially in great weather. If you want to miss the crowds I suggest scheduling your beach day during the week.

KNOW YOUR BEACH

Port Aransas has some great beaches to choose from like Mustang Island, Mustang Island State Park, Magee Beach, Padre Balli Park and Bob Hall Pier.

Spend some time deciding what you want out of your beach day before you plan your trip.Whether it’s a quiet place to relax, or big waves to surf and body board, or maybe you want to cast out the rods each beach will have different characteristics you should consider before you head out for that perfect beach day!

PLAN YOUR MEAL

Sandwiches are easiest to pack for a beachside picnic, but if you’d like to cook out, make sure there is a grill available, or take your own then gather all the necessary supplies to make that happen.

When packing a cooler or meal tote, smaller IS better. If you decide you need something bigger, keep in mind that wheeled coolers are fine for hard packed sand, but fluffier, softer sand will be a struggle that is just not worth it – trust me on that one!

And always take lots of clean, fresh water, as the sun and salt water can dehydrate you pretty quickly.

Or maybe you’d like to eat off the beach? There are also plenty of great restaurants all throughout Port Aransas that you can take advantage of and some right off the beach like Mikel May’s Beachside Grill located right on Bob Hall Pier.

PACK YOUR THE ESSENTIALS

When you plan the perfect beach day you must know that a beach day is certainly not complete without the perfect beach bag. From the actual tote, to sunscreen, beach reads, extra towels, beach toys and more, you want to make sure you have everything accessible and organized to enjoy your day.

If you’re missing a couple of necessities don’t worry Port Aransas also has plenty of gift shops equipped with everything from sunscreen to souvenirs for the family back home. Also let’s not forget the much needed beach pass. They’re $25 and you can buy them at the gas station right before you get on the beach.

Be Courteous and Have Fun!!

A good beach day plan can lead to the Perfect Beach Day! Once you get on the beach just remember to be courteous of other beachgoers and enjoy yourself! The beach is for everyone and everyone is there to have a great time!!!

I hope you enjoy your beach trip in Port A!

If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Port Aransas during the Spring you are missing out! Port Aransas is perfect for that family friendly Spring Break getaway that you’re looking for. Enjoy tons of fun things to do, great food to eat as well as beautiful places to stay here in Port A.

While you’re here take advantage of all of our family friendly attractions and start making memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy sailing the waters of the Aransas Bay on the Red Dragon Pirate Ship with your crew while being entertained with activities such as sword fights, music and dancing. Or maybe you’d like to relax and float on the lazy river at Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort? Schlitterbahn allows you to bring in your own lunch and has a full bar for adults and plenty of rides and aquatic fun for the kids to enjoy.

Looking for some yummy food? You don’t have to look far in Port A. One of my favorite places to eat is Behringer’s Landing. Behringer’s Landing is known for its delicious seafood cuisine, live music scene, and the Rockin B Bar & Grill. Wanting an adult beverage? Well the Rockin B Bar & Grill has great drink specials to enjoy on a well deserved night out.

Port A also has plenty of condos available for booking and some of my favorite condos are located right by our beautiful beaches like Gulf Shores Resort that is directly on Mustang Island.

If you’re still planning out your Spring Break vacation I hope you consider Port A as your family’s Spring Break destination. You still have plenty of time to book, but don’t take too long! Things here in Port A book up quickly.

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:
12 Hr Trips hauled in nice Amberjack, Barracuda, Wahoo, King Mackeral, Rock hind, Red hind, Vermillion Snapper and Lane Snapper.
8 Hr. Trips Amberjack and King Mackeral.
Bay Trips had nice catches of Gafftops, Whiting and Sand Trout.

2-17-17 Randy Jespersen from Duncanville, Tx shows off his 55.5 lb King Mackeral, while aboard the Kingfisher with Capt. Marvin Horner.

2-16-17  Lolita Haines from Arkansas hauled in a nice Amberjack weighing in at 57 lbs while aboard the Gulf Eagle with Capt. Kevin Haller.

2-16-17 Nate Wolske from Minnesota shows off his 67 lb Amberjack while aboard the Pelican with Capt. James Wheeler.

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH

This week’s fishing report from the docks of Deep Sea Headquarters, Port Aransas:

8 Hr Trips had nice catches of King Mackeral, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks.

12 Hr Trips hauled in King Mackeral, Mahi Mahi, Ling, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Vermillion Snapper, Amberjack and Barracuda.

30 Hr Trips hauled in nice catch of Amberjack, Black Fin Tuna, Yellow Fin Tuna, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Vermillion Snapper and Barracuda.

Bay Fishing Whiting, Sand Trout and Gafftops.

1-21-17 Kelley Green from Austin, Texas hauled in a nice 52# Kingfish aboard the Kingfisher with Capt. Marvin Horner on a recent 12 hour trip.

Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Report by Marsha Walker – DSH