Wading the shallows around Port Aransas, Texas.
We are heading to Port Aransas. We will be based at Ocean’s Edge Hotel on Mustang Island. This location offers us quick access to some excellent fishing areas, including Lighthouse Lakes, East Flats, Brown Flats, and Root Flats.
The area boasts numerous excellent restaurants for those who want to dine out. Ocean’s Edge is about 5 minutes from the ferry landing. Breakfast is available at 6:30 a.m. Everyone is responsible for making their own reservations. When you call Ocean’s Edge (361-749-6427), ask for Amanda, tell her you are with the Fort Worth Fly Fishers, and you want a room on the first floor. There are no elevators. She will try to keep us fairly close together. The cost should be about $40 per night per person based on double occupancy.
Bring a kayak. If you don’t have one, try to borrow one from someone. There are a few places that rent kayaks, but historically, these have not been of very high quality and therefore not very comfortable. If you are not going to use a kayak, you can fish the Port Aransas Jetties or the surf. Unless you have experience fishing the surf, I would not recommend it.
Suggested flies include baitfish patterns (such as clousers, sea duckers, and game changers), shrimp and crab patterns, and spoon flies. You can always see Stephen at the Orvis store if you’d like more advice. I would recommend an 8wt rod with a floating line.
Consider bringing a sink tip or an intermediate sink line for deeper places. Fluorocarbon leaders in the 20# to 25# range and fluorocarbon tippet in the 15# to 20# range are also recommended. The fish on the flats are unlikely to be 20-pound fish, but you need something strong enough to withstand the environment.
If you are interested in hiring a guide, here are some recommendations. My go-to over the years has been FlyFish Rockport. They have several boats, but they are already booked for the 7th and 8th. At this time, they do have one boat available for the 6th. You can check to see if they have had any cancellations. Other guide recommendations are Ken Jones, Chase Ferguson, Dylan Mendoza, and Diego Solis. I have fished with Ken Jones and Chase Ferguson. Both were excellent. Chase primarily fishes the Laguna Madre area from Baffin Bay to Land Cut. Another option would be to check with the Orvis store in Rockport. Just a heads up, be prepared for sticker shock. Guides are now charging $750 to $850 for a full day.
If you’re planning to go, please let me, Brian Loria (817-692-1908), or Dan (682-201-6113) know. We will need a head count for the Saturday night shrimp boil. If you are new to coast fishing, I will meet with you either Thursday or Friday night, and we will have a redfish 101 class. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions you may have.
