Are you a South Texas Bird watcher? If so, this is the festival for you! The Whooping Crane Festival is an annual event that celebrates the migration of these magnificent creatures who travel to our Texas coast. This year is the 20th Anniversary of the event put on by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce/Tourist Bureau and has indeed been a success throughout the years. Port Aransas has become known as the “America’s Birdiest Small Coastal City” thanks to this festival.

If you have never seen a Whooping Crane, believe us, you won’t miss it! These are the tallest birds in North American and by far the most prestige creatures flying around. Their bodies are a beautiful “snow” white with a crimson cap on the head. They have long necks and long legs with an overall slender body that plumps at the tail. They each have a very loud call and a unique courtship dance! With a count of only 20 birds, these Cranes were almost extinct in the 1940’s. As of today due to conservationist efforts the number of birds has risen to 600 today.

The festival is open to the public with a small fee of $20 that goes towards the conservationist efforts of the endangered Whooping Cranes. There are individual tours, trips, and workshops that will be priced separately. This year’s dates are February 25-28th.Come see the official “Snow Birds” of Texas!

This year’s key note speaker this year is Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. There will be special events taking place in celebration of the 20th anniversary including an evening painting and wine pairing class with world renowned photographer, Zhongjie Zheng. And if you’re bringing the family, a special family birding field trip is planned also!

Check out more of this event at the official website of the festival. www.whoopingcranefestival.org

You can register online for the events and festival by using your credit cards. Be sure to check this event out, it is one that you will not want to miss!

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

1-12-16  24 Hr Aboard the Pelican with Capt James Wheeler and Capt John McIntrye

24 Hr Tuna Trip – WINTER TEXANS/Local

Hauled in a limit of Amber Jacks, Largest weighing in at 78 lbs caught by Jim Mader from Minn, 70 Black Fin Tuna, Large Vermillion Snapper, Scamp Grouper.

• Rick Laros – Port A
• Stan Schuster – SD
• Bill Heyer – Minn.
• Bill Holliger – NE
• Carl Taylor – AR
• Marilene Davis – AR
• Bob Shotts – AK
• Gary Marron – SD
• Larry Pembelton – KS
• Steve Grohs – SD
• Jim Mader – Minn. – 78 lb A.J.
• Dick Kass – Minn.

The Bay trip had a nice catches of Whiting.

Stay tuned had 2 – 24 Hr Trips that left on 1-15-16 and 1 leaving 1-17-16 to see what new catches there may be!

Report By Marsha Walker

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

Our 8 hour trip this week caught Kingfish, Lane Snapper, North Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, and Vermillion Snapper.

Our 24 hr Tuna Trip 1-7-16 Aboard the Pelican with Capt James Wheeler and Capt Andy Eccleston. Lolita Haines from Arkansas and her Winter Texsan Friends,  hauled in a nice catch of 52 Kingfish, 10 Amber Jacks, 100 Blackfin Tuna and a Black Tip Shark.

Pictured are Richard Summers – MO, Les Michel – WI, Bill Holier – NE, Chris Noses – CO, Chuck Demos – Fulton TX, Bob Shorts – Alazka, Rick Laros – Port A, Stan Schussed – SD, Chuck Buus – Montana, Steve Robelot – Harlingen TX, John Esatman, Rick Diedrin and Jack Eastman from Minnesota.

The Bay trip had a nice catches of Gafftop and Whiting.

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

Report By Marsha Walker

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

Our 8 hour trip this week 12-29-15 aboard the Pelican with Capt James Wheeler had a nice catch of Kingfish, Scamp Grouper, Aferican Pompano, Vermillion Snapper and a 310 lb Mako Shark.

Aaron, Andrew, Renee and Gene Lermuseaux from New Mexico, Tina and Greg Boyce from Austin, Tx, Allison Bailey, Anthony Urbanovsky and Jordan Reynolds from Buda with Garrett Boyce from Driftwood, Tx, were the angluars aboard the Pelican.

Allison Bailey from Buda, TX hauled in the 310 lb Mako.

The Bay trip had a nice catches of Whiting.

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

Report By Marsha Walker

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

8 hr trips have been catching Vermillion Snapper, King Mackeral, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, along with a 203 lb Mako Shark aboard the Kingfisher with Capt. Marvin Horner on Saturday Dec. 5, 2015. The photo shows Sam Harris from Fort Worth, Texas along with his friend Roy Adkins.

The bay trips have been whiting and gafftops.

The 48 hour Floater Trips have been producing nice big Yellowfin Tunas along with Blackfin Tuna and Barracudas. The trip that returned Sunday Dec. 6, 2015 aboard the Gulf Eagle had five over 100lbs with the biggest one tipping the scales at 139lbs.

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

Report By Marsha Walker – DSH

What is usually a cold and bitter time of year becomes a warm and safe haven for many Port Aransas lovers. These individuals travel far and wide to claim our beautiful island town as their home during the harsh winters up North. Many come from the East however some travel here from their Texan homes to enjoy their winter and this beautiful time of year on Mustang Island and in Port Aransas.

These Winter Texans, as we refer to them as, enjoy fellowship with other travelers and Winter Texans alike from all over the country and from different condominiums through out our island.

Here at PortAransas-Texas.com we manage 12 different properties on Port Aransas and Mustang Island; each of our properties range in amenities, price range and location around the island. Whether you are looking for state of the art and luxury or a quaint beachfront condo, we have it available to you! You can click here to browse each of our resorts to handpick the one that most suits you.

We have availability at each resort for the month of January and February, as mentioned earlier-each resort is different so please take your time to select the property you would most enjoy and below is listed what is still available. For most of these properties, time is of the essence! Call now to the Port Aransas resort that you would be most interested in spending your winter at!

• –Casa Condominiums has only 2 rooms left! 403 which is a 2 bedroom and 210, a 3 bedroom. Call them now for pricing and more information. (361) 749-6942
• –SandCastle Condominiums has many efficiencies and one bedrooms available! Unfortunately there are no 2 or 3 bedrooms available at this time. Call them at (361) 749-6201 to find out their pricing and information.
• –Sandpiper Condominiums is the most premier resort on Mustang Island. There are only 3 two bedrooms still available and they are wonderful! Check out Unit 704, 902, and 308. You can call Sandpiper at (361) 749-6251 for their pricing and information.
• –Alister Square is a Port Aransas hotel favorite. Located right in the middle of town, this resort is convenient and comfy. Call (361)749-3000 for more information on their Winter Texan Rentals.
• –Aransas Princess Condominiums, the Jewel of Port Aransas, is home to beautiful beach escapes. There are only two condos available at this time for January-301 and for February-705.  You can contact them at (361) 749-5118.
• –Gulf Shores Condominiums is the closest resort to the beach! They have  several units still available for Winter Texan Rentals and you can call (361) 749-6257 for more information on these rentals.
• –Aransas Harbors Condominiums has only one 2 bedroom left! Call (361) 749-4122 for their rental information.
• –Sea Gull Condominiums is usually booked up! They just had a few cancellations for the Winter so call now as there is a waiting list! (361) 749-4191.
• –La Mirage Condominiums has a few condos still up for grabs and you can contact them at (361) 749-6030 to find out more about which rentals are still available and their Winter Texan information.
• –El Cortez Condominiums has 2 two bedrooms and 1 one bedroom still available for your winter escape! Call (361) 749-6206 for their pricing and info!
• –Mustang Towers Condominiums is a lovely high rise on Mustang Island and they have 2 two bedrooms still available for the winter. Check them out and call (361) 749-6212.
• –Island Retreat I & II Condominiums is beachfront and cozy! Call them at (361) 749-6222 for their Winter Texan availability and pricing information.

Each property is different and offers various social gatherings for each place for their winter guests. These gatherings include coffee and donuts, pot-luck dinners, card games or tournaments, beach walks, and much more.

Port Aransas offers many things for these travelers to do also!  Below is a list of the many things to do and see as a Winter Texan, visit our Winter Texan page for more info as well.

• •                -Leaonabelle Birding Center
  •                –Port Aransas Art Center offers many classes!
  •                –Port Aransas Theatre has many showings and are so enjoyable to watch!
  •                -Shopping
  •                -Beachwalks/BeachCombing
  •                –Lighthouse Trails of Aransas Pass
  •                –University of Texas Marine and Science Institute of Port Aransas
  •                -Yoga will be offered at different resorts!
  •                -Fishing and Deep Sea Fishing
  •                -Plenty of Birding!
  •                -Lydia Anne Lighthouse and St. Joe’s Island
  •                -Beautiful Sunsets
  •                –Dolphin Cruises
  •                –Red Dragon Pirate Ship Cruises

• •                -Golfing at Pamilla

•                –Kites
•                –Sandcastle Building
•                -Padre Island National Seashore
•                -Turtle Releases
•                –20th annual Whooping Crane Festival in February

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

11-19-15 Local resident Rick Laros was aboard the Pelican with Capt James Wheeler.  Rick  hauled in nice 31 lb African Pompano.

8 hr trips have been catching Vermillion Snapper, King Mackeral, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks a few Mahi Mahi along with a 70 lb Spinner Shark

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

Report By Marsha Walker – DSH

What a beautiful time of year it is here in Port Aransas! The ocean is sparkling, the coldest of the cold fronts have yet to make it down here and the sun is still warming up the sand under our toes. There is so much to be thankful for when you are down here on these beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Thanksgiving is well on its way here and so many families choose Port Aransas as their destination for this thankful and family filled holiday. Some families come down here and prepare their feast while looking over the ocean while others enjoy the favorite Turkey-Day dishes prepared by some of the best restaurants here in town.Have you ever tried Thanksgiving here at the coast? If not, then maybe it’s time to switch the tradition, grab the family and head South!

If you have a big group, no worries, we have plenty of available and beachfront units to choose from. The Sandcastle Condominiums has multiple rooms available as well as Allister Square. There are available condos at La Mirage, Island Retreat, Casa Condominiums, El Cortez, Aransas Harbors, Aransas Princess and Seagull Condominiums. If you’re looking for more of the luxurious or premier experience, Sandpiper Condominiums has only 2 rooms left! This availability is based on arriving the 24th of November and departing on the 27th.  All of these units are completely stocked with what you need  to completely enjoy this Thanksgiving with sun, sand and vacation; what a perfect Thanksgiving this could be!

Below is a list of the restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and what they will be serving.

• Trout Street will be serving a full Thanksgiving Day dinner with Turkey, Cornbread Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce and of course Pumpkin or Pecan Pie.
• Virginia’s on the Bay will be having their annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet served from 11am-2pm. This feast includes all of the Thanksgiving favorites including Ham, Turkey, Cornbread Dressing, and much more!
• Jay’s Spaghetti and Seafood Works will be open on Thanksgiving Day and serving their regular menu.
• Miss K’s is a catering delicacy of Port Aransas and will be having their Thanksgiving Dinners prepared for pick-up. All orders must be placed by the 19th of November. You can contact them at 361-749-7776.
• San Juan’s Cantina will be open in the morning until noon for favorite Mexican style breakfasts!
• Cancun will be open all day and serving their regular menu with their daily specials.
• Kody’s will be open all day, serving their regular menu during the day and in the evening running a special on their fabulous Prime Rib.

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

Our 8 hour trip this week caught Kingfish, North Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, a few Black Fin Tuna and Vermillion Snapper.

Our Floater Yellowfin Tuna Trip on 11-8-15 Aboard the Pelican with Capt James Wheeler and Capt Rob Keese hauled in a limit of Yellowfin Tuna averaging 95- 118#’s a piece, Blackfin Tuna, Dorado, King Mackeral, Barracuda and a 275 # Blue Marlin.

Holding Tuna up are John Baxter – Stevenville, Conner McCullough – Austin, DECKHAND John McIntire, Clifton Roteberry – Grandview, DECKHAND Lloyd Rodrigez 118# yellowfin,  Lucretia Price and Mike Price – Stevenville and Chip Springall – George Town.

275 # Marlin – The McCollough family teamed up and hauld in this monster marlin Tre, Scott and Connor McCollough from Austin, Texas.

The Bay trip had a nice catches of Gafftop and Whiting.

Private Bay Guides have had a limit of black and red drum.

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:
Our 8 hour trip this week caught  North Atlantic Sharpnose Shark and Vermillion Snapper.
Our 12 hr trips were still catching  Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Vermillion Snapper, and a nice grouper.
Our Daily Bay Trips have been catching Whiting and Gafftop.
Private Bay Guides have been bring in black drum and reds.
Reports from the Jetty of nice big Bull Reds being caught on menhaden and the Flounder were running off the banks in the shipchannel and were hitting Mullet.
We also have a 48 hour trip for Yellowfin Tuna departing this Friday.
Stay tuned next week to see what new catches there may be!

Don’t forget to bring your catch by Fin’s Grill & Icehouse and let them prepare your meal just the way you like it.